You Were Made to FlourishSample

Day 8: Guard the Environment:

Welcome to day 8! Today we’re talking about an often overlooked step in the process of thriving: guarding the environment.

Throughout the Bible, we see that God’s purpose for relationships is not just our enjoyment; it’s also our growth—to help us walk out His purposes for our lives. Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

People will either stretch you or shrink you; they will either sharpen you or dull you; they will either push you forward or keep you stuck. The company you keep and the voices you heed will pave your path. Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future!

We have no control over our upbringing, our families, or the choices of others, but we can control the environments we regularly place ourselves in. This is crucial to our growth because while every future with God is bright, it’s up to us to walk into that bright future. When we consistently put ourselves in the right places, with the right people, God promises we can flourish in every season—no matter what opposition we face!

What seed has God given you? Is it in an environment it can grow in? If not, make adjustments. Put yourself around people who will speak God’s Word over you and the dreams He has given you. If you do, God will faithfully exceed your expectations, causing your life to flourish in ways you never thought possible.

As we conclude day 8, dwell on your relationships. Who has God placed in your life that is a positive influence? Who negatively affects you? Who can you be a faith-filled, positive voice to?