God never meant us to ‘fly solo’. We all need help and encouragement from time to time, but be careful who you turn to. 1) Don’t go to someone who can’t handle your problem. By sharing your situation with them you may experience temporary relief, but what if they’re not mature enough to handle it? Jesus said, ‘Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me…better…a millstone were hanged about his neck, and…he were drowned in the depth of the sea’ (Matthew 18:6 KJV). 2) It’s okay to turn to a proven friend as long as they’re spiritually mature. The Bible says, ‘A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity’ (Proverbs 17:17 KJV). But you must know they’re a true friend. Peter writes, ‘Love covers over a multitude of sins’ (1 Peter 4:8 NIV 2011 Edition). Someone who truly loves you will pray for you, and walk with you until you have the victory. And when you’re on the wrong path, they won’t cover up or make excuses for you – they will hold you accountable. 3) When possible, turn to a spiritual father. Paul says, ‘You might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers’ (1 Corinthians 4:15 NKJV). Think of a good father’s attributes. He corrects, but never condemns you. He won’t give up on you. He evaluates you based on your best qualities rather than your worst. Instead of reacting negatively to your failures, he recognises your potential and keeps on working with you. So ask God today for a spiritual father, and stay in regular communication with him.