All of us, at times, will have people who leave our lives for one reason or another. Beyond your family and the commitment of marriage, there are some relationships that are meant for just a season. It may be something you weren’t expecting. You may not understand it. But if you’ve done your part to walk in love and forgiveness, if you know in your heart you’ve done your best and the person walks away, that’s when you have to trust that God knows who needs to be in your life.

One time, I heard somebody talk about the gift of goodbye. It means when somebody chooses to leave, you may not realize it right away, but they just did you a huge favor. Maybe that person was holding you back. Maybe they were keeping you from spreading your wings. Maybe they weren’t a good influence. When somebody leaves your life, a business partner, a friend, a neighbor, a coworker; don’t take it personally. Don’t get upset. Don’t try to talk them into staying. Let God do a new thing in your life. Your destiny is not tied to the people who walk away from you. You may think, “Man, I need them, Joel. They’re a great friend; I count on them. He’s a great business partner.” No, God knows who you need in your life to fulfill your purpose. If He has decided that the season is over, there’s nothing you can do to hold it together. You might as well just let it go and get ready for something new that God wants to do.

Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 10, “If anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet and move on.” That’s what I’m encouraging you to do today. Don’t try to force a relationship that has ended. Shake the dust off your feet and move on. You don’t need the approval of everyone on this planet; you only need God’s approval. You don’t have to defend yourself because God is your defender.

Today, instead of focusing on what you don’t have, focus on what you do have. Focus on the relationships that are in your life. Invest in the people around you. Look for ways to sow love and encouragement. Thank God that He is opening doors for you. Thank Him for the right connections in your life. And thank Him for the gift of goodbye because He is ordering your steps and aligning you to walk in the place of blessing He has prepared for you!