When we’re setting and working towards our goals, it’s important to remember that not everyone will support us. One of the toughest parts about reaching our goal is discovering that some of the people closest to us don’t share it or don’t want to be part of it. We can spend a lot of time and energy trying to convince them, but sometimes people just aren’t on board with what we’re doing. Paul wrote, ‘All those in Asia have turned away from me’ (2 Timothy 1:15 NKJV); ‘Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world’ (2 Timothy 4:10 NKJV). People may not support us because they don’t think it’s right, because they’re jealous, or because they’re too caught up in their own lives. Sometimes people support us for a while, but when things get challenging and we face discouragement and disappointment, they can abandon us. When Job faced multiple disasters in his life, he said, ‘All my close friends abhor me, and those whom I love have turned against me’ (Job 19:19 NKJV). David’s experience caused him to say, ‘My relatives stand afar off.’ Solomon summed it up: ‘Trusting unfaithful people when you are in trouble is like eating with a broken tooth or walking with a crippled foot’ (Proverbs 25:19 NCV). The truth is that people who don’t respect our goal will detract from it. If we don’t let go, they can end up hurting us. Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet’ (Matthew 10:14 NIV). In order to reach our God-given goal, sometimes we have to do that.

What Now?

Think about the people in your life right now. Who supports you as you work towards your God-given goals? Do something to thank them today.