Recognizing the relationships God places in our path
When I look back over my life, some of the most significant opportunities I've experienced have come through relationships. Not necessarily relationships I was looking for, but people God placed in my path who would ultimately have a profound influence on my life and business.
One of those relationships is with my mentor, Bob Harrison, also known as Dr. Increase.
Years ago, I had been listening to Bob's teaching on cassette tapes. I had studied his principles, applied them in my business, and experienced the benefits firsthand. When a friend offered to introduce me to Bob, I jumped at the opportunity.
That introduction involved driving nearly 100 miles to attend a luncheon where Bob was speaking. What happened next was remarkable.
Within minutes of meeting Bob, we were discussing his teaching and how I had applied it. Shortly afterward, he invited me to share my testimony with approximately 200 business leaders. We had known each other for perhaps ten minutes!
That encounter became the beginning of a friendship and mentoring relationship that has influenced my life for decades.
Looking back, I recognize it as a divine appointment. But I've also come to realize something important: Although God orchestrated the opportunity, I had a responsibility to respond to it.
I had invested time learning. I accepted the introduction. I made the drive. And when the opportunity presented itself, I was prepared.
Proverbs 13:20 tells us, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm" (NIV).
I've often wondered how many divine appointments we miss simply because we're too busy, distracted, or unwilling to take the next step.
In business, we spend considerable time developing strategies, pursuing opportunities, and building networks. Those things have value, but I believe there's another dimension available to us as believers: being sensitive to the Holy Spirit and recognizing the people God brings into our lives.
There are a few principles I've tried to practice that I believe help position us for these encounters.
Be genuinely interested in people. Treat everyone with kindness, honor, and respect. Listen carefully. You never know who God might be placing in your path.
Be willing to invest. Sometimes an opportunity requires a long drive, an inconvenient meeting, or simply making time for someone.
Be a connector yourself. I genuinely enjoy introducing people who might benefit from knowing one another. Not because I expect something in return, but because I enjoy helping others succeed.
Philippians 2:4 encourages us to look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.
I've found that when we make a habit of creating opportunities for others, opportunities often find their way back to us.
I don't believe we can manufacture divine appointments. But I do believe we can position ourselves to recognize and respond to them.
Perhaps the next significant relationship in your life or business is closer than you think.
The question is, will you recognize it when God puts it in your path?