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Relationships

July 1, 2026
By: Rebecca Bourquine
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I do not know if anyone keeps up with who writes each blog article, but a little over a year ago, I was working on one: The First College Essay and Possibly the Last Family Vacation. It focused on the importance of family discipleship.

So here we are and God is telling me to be vulnerable.

I’m sorry to say it was the last family vacation, but not because we were launching our oldest into the world. About a month after that blog article was posted, my husband died. So here I am, months later, writing about raising the bar regarding our relationships. When praying about this article, God simply said, “You can. I will do it through you.” The word He kept bringing to mind was intentional. 

You see, God knew when I volunteered for this, probably around the end of 2024, that I would be writing it as a widow. He knew the date of my husband’s death before my husband was even born. He knew that when we got the news, we would be surrounded by loving family and friends. He put them all in place to be here at just the right time. He knew exactly who He would use to comfort and support us and He began building those relationships years, if not decades, ago. I witnessed Philippians 2:4 in action: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interests of others.” When Christians are obedient, amazing things happen. More importantly though, we gain the privilege of experiencing His presence and work in ways we never could otherwise. 

So, I encourage you to examine your relationships. Not from the perspective of your everyday life and mind, but from God’s perspective. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal direction for the relationship. Who has God put in your life? How can you serve and glorify HIm in, by, and through that relationship? How are you being sanctified? How are you being used to sanctify others?

Paul instructs us in Ephesians 4:32 with, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Who is someone you have yet to forgive? Perhaps there is a relationship God is calling you to revisit. Do you feel unable to extend forgiveness? That’s okay—God is able. The strength to forgive does not come from us but from Him. Have you allowed hurt or disappointment to harden your heart toward someone? Does vulnerability feel too risky or emotionally unsafe? That’s okay, too. God is your protector. He can give you the courage, strength, and security needed to open your heart and walk in forgiveness. 

Being intentional with relationships means opening yourself up. It means letting God use you however He sees fit. God has clearly revealed Himself repeatedly for the past months through His children who were willing to be obedient, who were willing to come alongside us and support us while we grieve and heal.

The author of Ecclesiastes writes in chapter 4:12, “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” You may recognize this verse as the foundation for our agency name, Cord of Three.  Had my family stood alone months ago, we would have easily been overpowered. However, God, in His wisdom, knew this. He sent intentional relationships to help us walk this path. With His help, guidance, and by His grace – walk it we will. While on it, we have learned more about God’s character and His love than during the lifetime before it.

You can walk the path God has put before you also. Be intentional with how you interact with others. Nothing is by chance or accident. Bless others and let them bless you. Glorify God with your relationships and watch how His love is revealed.

Resource: Safe in the Shepherd’s Arms – Max Lucado 

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