Lasting relationships are built on acts that follow up on intentions and promises.
As we meet with others, many times we develop an internal to-do list for people we meet. We think of something nice to do, a note to write or a call to make. I believe this is a nudge from the Lord to build and sustain the relationship.
But good intentions require action and radical commitment to follow-up.
The art and acts of feeding a relationship are not limited to what we accomplish on our own. I don’t know of a better act than to pray for the people we see during the day.
Yesterday, I had a text conversation with my friend and former student, now a pastor in Zimbabwe. He shared photos of an amazing ministry he leads in the nation. My back tingled with a witness to the words he shared about his vision. Elephant tears crawled down my face.
As I thought of the work he did from his large platform, I considered the seeds his ministry planted in so many lives. Thousands of lives.
Spiritual relationships were launched. But who would follow-up? How could each of the young people in the crowd be touched again? How quickly could their hearts be filled again?
Then I sent this text to my friend:
“I will pray for the Holy Spirit to follow up with each person who was in the crowd” (edited Siri spelling gaffe).
I’ve never said those words before. The Holy Spirit reminded me of His power to “draw all men unto Him.”
I added a new prayer to my life. Even as I take human actions to maintain relationships, I will pray for the Holy Spirit to follow up and continue to bless the relationship with spiritual impartation.
“Holy Spirit, follow up with those who read this message. Lead my friends in the path of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Hear their prayers and equip them for their day ahead. And touch the people of Zimbabwe and the ministry of Jesus in the nation. Holy Spirit, convict hearts and minds to draw closer to You. Amen.”
“I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience as my forefathers did, as I continually remember you in my prayers night and day” (2 Tim. 1:3).
