Working Together When Things Fall Apart
Working together is fun when things are going well, but the true test comes when challenges arise, we have different opinions, or there isn’t a clear path to take forward.
So how do we get along when things are stressful, and circumstances don’t fall into place?
And how can men and women succeed when society always points the blame at the opposite gender?
At times of pressure, we can all feel like fainting, quitting, or giving up, but we must become established and never stop trusting that God has given us precious promises that belong to us.
God has a good plan for our relationships! Men and women can succeed together!
1.Check Your Surroundings
One of the most important decisions we make in life is who we surround ourselves with. Who you spend the most time with is who you will become like, for better or worse!
We don’t always get to decide who our co-workers are, but we can make sure we are surrounded by godly people who will encourage us in our walk with Christ outside of the office.
“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisors bring success.” —Proverbs 15:22, NLT
The Bible tells us that we need people in our lives! Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
We find strength in relationships. Godly counsel will encourage us to keep pursuing Christ. It keeps us on the right path instead of allowing worldly influences to be our primary source of advice.
“Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” — Proverbs 19:20, NLT
2. Recognize the Spiritual Battle
God has created us as men and women to work together. Satan knows the power of unity, and that’s why he wants nothing more than to create strife between us. We need to realize that the real battle is against Satan, not each other!
Recognizing the spiritual aspect of the battle is the first step, but how do we fight it? The Bible tells us that our war is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of darkness.
Once we recognize that we are not fighting each other, we can turn our attention to the problem instead of the person.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in heavenly places.” — Ephesians 6:12, NLT
It’s time to recognize that our fight is not against each other! This isn’t a men vs. women issue, it’s a men AND women vs. Satan issue. Satan knows if he can get us to fight against each other, we’ll be too distracted to see the real war at play.
3. Complete, Don’t Compete
God has called us to complete, not to compete!
God created us differently and wants us to lean on each other’s strengths. We are called to be the body of Christ. It may be tempting to get frustrated over someone’s differences, but it would be useless if we all served the same role. God uniquely designed each and every one of us to have different qualities that can be used to further the Gospel!
“Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, ‘I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,’ that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, ‘I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,’ would that make it any less a part of the body?’ If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?” — I Corinthians 12:14-17, NLT
I Corinthians emphasizes the importance of different roles in the body of Christ. We are called to use our unique gifts and talents, not hide them and emulate each other!
We are all made differently and for different purposes!
I Corinthians 12:19 says, “How strange a body would be if it had only one part!” (NLT).
That sounds like common sense, but imagine a world where everyone was a doctor. We would have easy access to medical care, but who would build the buildings? Who would run the hospitals, or handle the finances? And on a larger level, who would teach our children, produce our food, run our country, build our homes, or complete the multitude of tasks that are completed daily that keep our economy and our country rolling?
When you’re facing a crossroads in your relationships, remember that your differences make you STRONGER TOGETHER.
Remind yourself that you were designed for YOUR unique purpose. Stop comparing yourself to those around you and start asking God what He has in store for you!
When life seems impossible, it’s not time to quit! ALL things are possible through Christ. Opposition is not the proof you’ve missed God but almost always the guarantee you’re on to something that hits His mark.
Keep your head up, your mind on God, and surround yourself with godly influences and you will succeed!
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