Who’s In Your Circle?

A few years ago, I walked through one of the hardest seasons of my life.

There was fear. Shame. Confusion.
I didn’t know what tomorrow would look like—or if I’d even make it through.

But I had a circle.

Not a crowd.
Not casual acquaintances.
A circle—of people who knew me, loved me, and didn’t let me go silent or stay stuck.
They didn’t just offer advice—they offered prayer, presence, and perspective.

And that changed everything.

In Acts 4, Peter and John had just been released after being threatened for preaching Jesus.
Their first move?
They went to their friends.

"As soon as Peter and John were let go, they went to their friends and and told them what the high priests and religious leaders had said." Acts 4:23 (MSG)

And their friends?
They prayed.

"Hearing the report, they lifted their voices in a wonderful harmony in prayer.” Acts 4:24 (MSG)

Out loud. In unity. With boldness.

Not everyone in your life will do that.
That’s why your circle matters.

Let me break it down:

You need a C.I.R.C.L.E.:

• Courageous Friends
  Who speak faith even when things feel uncertain.

• Interceding Friends
  Who don’t just say they’ll pray—but actually pray.

• Real Friends
  Who tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear.

• Consistent Friends
  Who show up—when it’s messy, inconvenient, or costly.

• Lifting Friends
  Who carry your burdens and remind you of your worth.

• Eternal-Minded Friends
  Who care more about your calling than your comfort.

Maybe as you read through that list, you felt thankful for the people who’ve been that for you.
Or maybe… you felt the gap. The loneliness. The desire to find your people.

Let’s talk to God about that.

Prayer:
God, thank You for the gift of community.
Help me build the kind of circle that lifts me toward You.
Give me discernment to recognize the right people, and the courage to be that kind of person for others.
Make me bold. Make me faithful. And surround me with people who know how to pray, love, and lead in hard times.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

Now take a second to ask yourself:

• Who’s in your circle right now?

• Are they helping you get closer to Jesus—or further from Him?

• And more importantly… are you that kind of friend to someone else?

You don’t need a crowd. You just need a circle.

And with the right one? You’ll be stronger than you think.