Separating from Close Relationships

April 17th, 2011

Written by Anita Carman
Dear Faithful One,

Have you ever spent years with close relations in a family, a business or a ministry, only to find yourself separating from them? What are you willing to separate from in order to have more of truth and more of the life God wants for you?

According to the gospel of John chapter 1, verse 1, Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a “member of the Jewish ruling council.” NIV. To be in the ruling council, he was someone esteemed in his community. He probably had long term relationships with many people. Yet, we find him separating from a familiar community in order to seek Jesus out. God’s Word tells us in verse 2 that “He came to Jesus at night.” NIV.

Are you in a place where you must separate from familiar relationship in order to go deeper with God? Instead of thinking of leaving someone behind, focus instead on how your courage to separate will protect God’s mission. In fact, those you must separate from initially can be led into greater truth because you had the courage to go deeper with God. For example, fast forward the tape and we find Nicodemus as the voice in the Jewish ruling council to protect Jesus. He held the hand of the ruling council so they did not strike against God. John 7:50-51 tells us, “Nicodemus , who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, “Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?” NIV

Oh Faithful One, will you trust God to bless your courage to separate and use you as a voice for His truth and purpose? Will you choose God and lead your close relations into greater truth?

I pray this devotion encouraged you in a special way. When I pray for you, I hear a victory song. I believe in you because I believe in the power of God’s Word in you as you put His Word into action.

Love, Anita