When you begin your walk, God may send divine helpers (or mentors). These are people who steady you in the early steps and shine a little light. But the enemy also sends people. Discernment matters here, because sometimes divine helpers can carry both helpful and harmful traits, they are human after all.

‍

So yes, someone can genuinely be in step with God, help you advance, and still have unhealed parts that can pull you off course if you're not careful.

• Peter — received revelation from the Father (Matthew 16:16–17) and was rebuked by Jesus for partnering with Satanic thinking moments later (Matthew 16:23).
• Paul — powerful apostle with a thorn that weakened him (2 Corinthians 12:7–10).
• Barnabas — compassionate leader who also created division (Acts 15:36–40).
• Apollos — powerful teacher who still needed correction of doctrine (Acts 18:24–26).
  

No one is one-dimensional nor perfect. Someone can help you yet still let their own impulses and pride create issues down the line. That's when help harms growth. This could be out of immaturity or overzealousness. And if a new believer becomes too enmeshed or pressured prematurely, their walk (or seed) can be disrupted, and in some cases, completely uprooted!

As I’ve grown, I now stand firm on these values: I’m not seeking perfection from anyone, but I am seeking honesty. I want to walk closely with people who can (or care to) repair a rupture, especially if they've taken on a role of a leader in some way. They must be able to look honestly at their own flaws (confess them / repent), and also honor the pace God has set for others.

And for those who mentor others: If God has entrusted you to help someone, pray for wisdom to know how to lead. Guidance requires self-awareness, patience, and the willingness to step back when the season shifts. This is real stewardship of their soul and yours.

‍

A Biblical Truth About Timing

_{Scripture is clear that God examines not just what we build, but how we build it.}

Even good work can burn if it was built in the wrong season, with the wrong motives, or from a place God never asked you to stay in.

Staying longer than God instructed doesn’t strengthen the work. It weakens it. This really applies to any type of relationship. This is why Scripture commands us to keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). Because only then would we know what to do and when.

• King Saul — refused to let go when God had moved on, and the kingdom fell into disorder (1 Samuel 15).
• Eli — failed to release leadership even when his season was clearly over (1 Samuel 3).
• Moses — was told he would not lead Israel into the Promised Land and had to accept the end of his assignment (Deuteronomy 34:1–5).
• John the Baptist — beautifully modeled release at the right time, which made way for Jesus' time.

‍

_{For the new in Christ:
‍Honor those who have helped you. Appreciate the seed they planted. Remember they are human, carrying their own battles and wounds. Don’t demand perfection from them, only God can give that. But let your Spirit-led discernment guide the rest of your journey. Let His voice, not theirs, anchor your steps. Pray for them and move.}

‍

_{For those who are spiritual leaders or mentors of any kind:
Many of you are watering down your impact by refusing to leave an assignment God has already closed (or by not repairing a relationship rupture properly). Staying past your grace doesn’t multiply your fruit, it dilutes it. Pray for wisdom. And when God moves someone forward or to a different path, keep praying for their soul as they continue on their journey.}

‍

Keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

God (the big light) doesn't flicker, we (mere mortals) do😄