Top o’ the Mornin’ to Ya!
Have you ever reached that point where you think, “I just don’t know if I can keep going… I don’t know if I want to pursue this path anymore”? We all hit those walls sometimes, don’t we?
What?
One of my brothers in my mastermind group shared something powerful that he and his wife often say to each other: “I’m sure glad we don’t both give up at the same time.”
Think about that for a moment. Along every journey – whether in marriage, business, faith, or personal growth – there are challenges, bumps, and stumbles. What helps this couple conquer those difficult seasons is their unity and commitment to each other.
They’ve grown together in such a way that when one of them faces a challenge, the other recognizes it and stands in the void. They uphold the relationship, becoming a strong couple in the Lord. Later, when they’re back in unity and on the positive path toward sanctification, they reflect and say, “I’m glad we both don’t give up at the same time.”
This reminds me of the scripture about surrounding ourselves with a “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). That’s exactly what a mastermind group provides – a crowd of witnesses to know you, love you, nurture you, and stand alongside you even when the going gets tough.
Why?
The old saying “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” isn’t always true on its own. But it becomes much more likely when you’re heading in the right direction and supported by others who know you, care about you, and are invested in your future and victories.
I’ve witnessed countless examples of this in our mastermind groups. A young Christian man struggling with dating in today’s challenging culture. A business owner facing a potential lawsuit from an unsatisfied client. A brother confessing his ongoing battle with pornography after we’ve built enough trust to share these deeper struggles.
Lesson
What makes these vulnerable moments transformative rather than defeating is the community surrounding each person. When it gets tough, the tough can keep going with encouragement, love, and support.
And interestingly, even when things are wonderful and peaceful, this same community challenges us by asking, “What else is possible? How can you improve? Can you serve more or better? How can you better advance God’s Kingdom?” A true brotherhood pushes us toward growth in both the valleys and the mountaintops.
This is the power of not facing life’s challenges alone. We weren’t designed to. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of community – from “iron sharpens iron” to “bear one another’s burdens” to that cloud of witnesses urging us onward.
Apply
Do you have people in your life who stand in the void when you’re struggling? Who celebrate with you in victories but also push you toward greater impact? Who know your struggles and love you anyway?
If not, it may be time to consider surrounding yourself with a crowd of witnesses – people who will ensure you don’t face your toughest moments alone, and who will help you see God’s purpose even in your challenges.
The beauty of true Christian brotherhood is that we don’t all give up at the same time. When one falls, another lifts him up. When one doubts, another believes. When one can’t see the way forward, another holds the light.
You be blessed!
Surround Yourself with People Who Lift You Up When You’re Struggling!
