In the last blog, we laid emphasis on what it means to “Dare to Be Bold”, how developing boldness can push you toward success. Boldness gives you the courage to try, to step out, and to take risks.
Today, let’s take it a step further. No matter how bold you are, you cannot achieve greatness alone. You need people. You need relationships.
If there’s one area you should improve this year, it’s in building better relationships! Your network of relationships can open doors to opportunities, information, and support, hence helping you reach your goals faster and better.
No one is truly self-made. Only God is self-made. Even Jesus—God in the flesh, needed disciples.
So, if Jesus needed relationships, why would you think you can do life alone?
There are two key relationships you must leverage for success:
1. Your Relationship with God
2. Your Relationship with People
Let’s look at the first one.
- Building a Stronger Relationship with God:
You need God at every moment of your journey. Any relationship that will lead you to real success must start with God.
Jesus said it clearly in John 15:5, “….Without Me, you can do nothing.”
If God isn’t enough for you, nothing else will ever be. No person can take His place in your life.
How to Build a Stronger Relationship with God:
- Know God Better
You can’t have a strong relationship with someone you don’t know. And the way to know God better is through His Word.
Not just reading the Bible but understanding and applying it to your life. Not just quoting scriptures but living them.
It’s more than just placing a Bible under your pillow—it’s letting the Word shape your thoughts, choices, and character.
- Be Closer to the Holy Spirit
The more you know the Holy Spirit, the fewer mistakes you’ll make. Why? Because He is your guide, your teacher, and your source of wisdom.
The Holy Spirit reveals what no human knowledge can uncover. He gives insights beyond data and predictions.
1 Corinthians 2:10 says, “The Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”
There are things about your life that only God knows. Wouldn’t you rather have divine insight than guess your way through life?
- Understand What God is Doing in Your Life
Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “To everything there is a season.”
What season are you in right now? Is it the season of preparation? (Where God is pruning, hiding, and growing you). Or the season of manifestation? (Where God is showcasing and promoting you.)
Understanding your season helps you cooperate with God, instead of complaining.
Look at Joseph in the Bible. He suffered, but his suffering was part of God’s purpose. Everything led him to the right placement—to save many people alive (Genesis 50:20).
Why is Your Relationship with God Important for Success?
- Right Placement – Only God can place you where you truly belong.
- Right Purpose – When you align with God’s purpose, you walk in dominion.
- Right Provision – When you are where God wants you to be, provision follows naturally.
Let’s look at the second part:
B. Building Better Relationships with People
Relationships shape your experiences—whether good or bad. The greatest pains and the greatest joys you will ever experience in life will come from relationships.
That’s why it is important to wisely manage your relationships is key to success.
How to Build Stronger Relationships
1. Give Your Best, Not Just Take:
If all you do is take from relationships without giving back, you become a parasite. Nobody likes a parasite! Look at Esther and Mordecai. If Esther hadn’t been a good and valuable niece, Mordecai wouldn’t have invested in her, and she wouldn’t have been prepared to be the queen.
How do you give your best in relationships?
- Build trust – When you say you’ll be there, be there.
- Check on people – Don’t only call when you need help.
- Be a giver – Share your time, resources, and knowledge to help others. It’s not always about you! Your selflessness today can set you up for greatness tomorrow.
2. Respect Boundaries
This is where most people ruin relationships.
Even God set boundaries! In the Garden of Eden, He told Adam, “You can eat from every tree except this one with the knowledge of good and of evil” (Genesis 2:16-17).
Every relationship has rules of engagement, even if they are not written down.
Some people don’t like unannounced visits. Some people don’t like being called late at night. Some people need space to process their thoughts.
Proverbs 25:17 warns, “Do not visit your neighbor’s house too often, or he may hate you.”
Respect boundaries, and you’ll retain valuable connections.
3. Wisely Manage Your Circle of Influence:
Not everyone should have the same level of access to your life. Let’s people qualify for access into your life.
Even Jesus had levels of relationships. He had 12 disciples, but He only took Peter, James, and John to His most intimate moments. Many people make the mistake of sharing deep secrets with the wrong people. This is where problems start.
What’s the Power of Relationships in Success:
The people you surround yourself with can either open doors for you or close them.
Joseph didn’t get to Pharaoh on his own, the Chief Butler mentioned his name in the palace.
Who is mentioning your name in the right places?
Who are you also helping to rise?
Let’s take this prayer:
Lord, plant me in the company of my destiny helpers. Help me to be a blessing to others as well in Jesus name, Amen.
