Tuesday, May 27, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Acts 27

Growing up, my mom frequently asked me about my “Top Five” - a list of adults I could trust if I was ever afraid to talk to my parents. She wanted to give me a village of people who love God and love me. 

One person on this list is my Student Group leader. Since I joined the Group almost five years ago, she has shown up consistently and poured into me and the other girls. She has prayed for us and humbly shared her own struggles. When I had a tough decision to make, she listened, reminded me of what was true, and encouraged me to keep going.

My mom’s Top Five list is based on Biblical principles. God did not create us to do life alone. He intentionally surrounds us with people to support and point us back to him. 

Proverbs 13:20
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. 

The people we spend our time with play a role in shaping who we become. If we surround ourselves with those who love both God and us, we will grow spiritually. If we choose to hang out with people who aren’t making wise decisions, that is the path we will likely follow. 

This isn’t an excuse to avoid anyone who has different beliefs or lifestyles from you. God calls us to go and reach those who are far from him - it’s our mission. However, in every interaction, God wants us to remember our purpose and sharpen each other. 

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

When we are in a healthy relationship, we are both getting something out of it. We are sharpening each other. This goes beyond friends: siblings can sharpen siblings, spouses can sharpen spouses, and Christians can sharpen other Christians. Through my Group, I am sharpened by my leader and the other girls, and I have the opportunity to sharpen them as well. These are the kind of relationships God calls us to have. 

God gives us community because he doesn’t want us to be alone. He designed us to need him, yes, but he also designed us to need each other. As we journey through life, we can turn to those around us and gain wisdom. We can be sharpened in order to sharpen someone else in the future. 

Questions: 
Who is on your Top Five list? Do you have people in your life whom you trust to point you back to God? Who are you currently pouring into and sharpening?

Next Steps: 
If you can’t identify five people in your life who love both you and God, consider joining a Group. The directory opens on May 31! Groups are designed for you to be able to trust and sharpen each other.

Consider the people who have sharpened you in the past. If anyone stands out, whether they are a relative, teacher, or close friend, write them a note or shoot them a text to express your gratitude for their impact.

Prayer: 
Father, you have surrounded me with people so that I don’t have to figure things out on my own. Thank you! Please help me identify the people who draw me closer to you, and give me wisdom to sharpen those around me. I love you. Amen. 

This post was written by Lydia Snyder, a South attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.