I was at a meeting recently where two guys were talking and sharing common acquaintances. The people they both knew are incredibly famous musicians and worship leaders in the USA. Of course, I do not know the people involved. I have only had a passport for a year or so and have never even been out of Europe! Part of me started to feel a little inferior that my life had not reached such eschalons. But I heard the voice of God speak to me and say ‘you know who I have caused you to know.’

I felt reassured. The thing is, God causes us to meet certain people at certain times – and either to stay in touch with them or not. Nothing you do will change what God has ordained. No amount of fretting about an old friendship dying or a new one not arriving will change the course it is meant to run.

Some friendships appear to end, but then start again somehow in a new season. Others dwindle to be replaced by different relationships. I used to be incredibly confident (actually arrogant) about my ability to make and keep friends. It never worried me or bothered me being in a new place. I just assumed I would make relationships easily. I am very naturally interested in others, so I don’t find it hard to chat.

One thing I am not good at though is ‘small talk.’ At least, not for very long. Whenever I speak to someone, whether it be the gasman or someone on the school run, I end up sharing quite deeply with them. I just can’t help it. I just have a constant awareness that this might be the last time I see them, the last thing I say. I want to make it count.

I want you to assess today who it is you know and why. Who has God called you to love and be loved by? Who are you tenacious about not losing touch with? What are those people bringing to your life? Who has God brought back into your life and why?

For those of you at a crossroads in your ministry, this is more key than ever… its all about who you know.