A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity
—Proverbs 17:17

Do you ever sense in your heart that God is calling you to do something but wonder how you are to develop into that person or role? Let me assure you that nobody is ever born "polished" or developed. We need to ask God to bring people into our lives who will polish and develop us in the way He desires.

For instance, when God called the young shepherd David to be king, He gave David a friend and mentor who knew how to be king to prepare him for his destiny. God sent Jonathan, the son of King Saul, into David's life. Jonathan knew how to be royalty. And God even prepared his heart so that Jonathan knew when to lay down his royal cloak at the feet of David and say, "I know the call of God is on you to be the king one day."

God will do the same for you. Part of your preparation lies in the associations God leads you to make, nurture, and maintain. When God brings these people into your life to train you or polish you, don't send them away! Invite them into your life. Learn from them. Listen to them. It's up to you to develop these relationships.

You become a product of what you are around. Choose to develop associations with people who focus on your future, not your past. Choose to hang around people who don't see where you are nearly as much as they see where you are going. Look to people who see what God has destined for you and who encourage you to pursue your destiny and to develop your gift from God.

Choose to associate with people who see your potential as being unlimited. Your only limitations are the limitations you place on yourself. You can be as "big" as you allow God to be "big" inside of you!

Choose to associate with those who will take you into a commitment zone and out of your comfort zone. The blind man's friends didn't just tell the blind man about Jesus. They led him to Jesus (Mark 8:22). May your mentors help you see clearly what God has for you.

God desires that you "separate" yourself from people who come against you to distract, detour, and discourage you. A godly mentor and friend will not despise your weakness but will believe for your strength. A true friend will not look down on you because of your past sin or failure but will believe for your future glory in Christ Jesus. A true friend will encourage you.

Related Texts: Deuteronomy 34:9; Ruth 1:16–18; 2 Kings 2:1–15; Esther 2:10–11; 2 Timothy 2:1–7; Hebrews 3:13