Beneath the SurfaceSample

Do you ever think about who invented surfing? Who was the first person who took the risk to paddle out into the ocean, wait for a wave, and then ride it back to shore? You'll need the right person to help you out if you bail, because if the timing is off or you're moving too slow, you'll crash into the water.

Jesus knew all about surrounding himself with the right people. When he set out into the world, he knew he would need a group of friends around him to help him on his journey. One of his disciples, Philip, told his friend Nathanael about Jesus. When he did, Nathanael made some rude comments about Jesus' hometown, but Philip still invited him to come and see. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he challenged him and invited him along, too. Philip's decision to invite Nathanael even after he was rude changed their lives — and the world — forever. Together, with the other disciples, they would watch Jesus do incredible things and restore all creation.

When we have the right relationships, we can challenge each other to keep growing. We can find ways to use our gifts to serve each other because we've spent so much time with one another. Most importantly, though, the right relationships can help us point people to Jesus and remind us when we need to refocus on who God is. If we need help figuring out what's next in our faith, the right relationships help us discover how to grow.