Destiny Helpers & Dream Killers: Who’s in Your Circle?

Akeelia Thompson
Apr 19
4 min read

Your circle can make or break your calling. You can have the vision, the passion and the faith—but if the wrong people surround you, you’ll either stall or go in the wrong direction. The people closest to you are either destiny helpers or dream killers. There’s usually no in-between.

1. Destiny Helpers: People Who Push You Forward

A destiny helper isn’t always flashy. They’re not always the ones with influence or money. Often, they’re the ones who quietly, consistently show up and push you to be who God called you to be. They see the purpose in you—even when you can’t.

✦ Biblical Example: Jonathan to David

David had a giant-sized calling, but before he ever sat on the throne, he was hunted, hated, and on the run. In the middle of that chaos, God gave him Jonathan—a friend who risked his life to protect him. Jonathan was the son of King Saul, but he loved David like a brother and saw the anointing on his life. “Jonathan helped David find strength in God.” (1 Samuel 23:16, NIV)

That’s what destiny helpers do. They remind you who you are when you forget. They fight with you, not against you. They don’t compete with your calling—they cover it.

✦ Real Life Example: The Unseen Encourager

You might have a friend who prays for you when you’re too tired to pray for yourself. Someone who sends that text right when you're about to quit. Someone who brings clarity when you’re overwhelmed. That’s a destiny helper. Keep those people close.

2. Dream Killers: People Who Drain Your Fire

Not everyone who’s close to you is meant to go with you. Some people are dream killers—sometimes out loud, sometimes with subtle discouragement. They minimize what God told you. They make you doubt your ability, your worth or your timing.

✦ Biblical Example: Joseph’s Brothers

Joseph shared his God-given dream with his brothers. Their response? Hatred, jealousy, and betrayal. Genesis 37:8 says, “They hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said.” Sometimes, the first people to shut down your dream are the ones closest to you.

Joseph’s brothers couldn’t see past their insecurity to support him. Their response wasn’t about Joseph—it was about their own fear and pride. That’s key: most dream killers aren’t evil. They’re insecure. But if you’re not careful, their fear will bleed into your faith.

✦ Signs of a Dream Killer:

They always have a “realistic” reason why it won’t work.
They make you feel small when you talk big.
They change the subject when you talk about vision.
They only support you when you're struggling—never when you're succeeding.

You don’t need to hate them. You just need to know where to place them in your life. Not everyone deserves a front-row seat to your calling.

3. Jesus Had Both—And So Will You

Even Jesus had both destiny helpers and dream killers. He had Peter, who walked closely with Him, fought for Him, and later helped launch the Church. But He also had Judas, who walked with Him, smiled in His face and sold Him out for silver.

Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, yet He kept walking. Why? Because Judas couldn’t stop His destiny—he was part of the plan. That’s something you’ve got to settle in your spirit: even dream killers can’t cancel what God has called you to do.

Luke 6:12-13 tells us Jesus prayed all night before choosing His 12 disciples. That shows us something important: Don’t choose your circle carelessly.

4. Check Your Circle: Three Questions to Ask

✦ 1. Do they call out your purpose or your problems?

Destiny helpers will speak life into your calling. Dream killers will constantly remind you of your flaws, your past, your limitations.

✦ 2. Do they challenge you or comfort your stagnation?

The right people won’t let you settle. They’ll challenge your excuses and remind you of what God said. The wrong people will keep you in your comfort zone.

✦ 3. Can they celebrate your wins without shrinking?

Real support is loud. If someone gets quiet when you succeed, take note. Envy and hidden competition are dream killers in disguise.

5. Guard Your Space Like Your Life Depends on It—Because It Does

Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”That’s not just about morality—it’s about momentum. Who you walk with determines how far you go.

This doesn’t mean cutting everyone off. But it does mean putting people in the right position:

Some people are assignments. Love them, serve them—but don’t depend on them.
Some are friends. Share life with them.
A few are destiny partners. These are your lifers—cherish them.

Final Word: Pray for Discernment

Everyone looks like a friend when things are easy. But watch who claps when you win. Watch who prays when you struggle. Watch who stays when the path gets hard.

Pray for discernment. Ask God to reveal who’s really for you—and who’s not. You don’t need a crowd. You need alignment.

Because the right people don’t just support your purpose—they protect it. And the wrong people? They’ll drain you dry and call it “just being honest.”

So… Who’s in your circle?

Akeelia Thompson | Founder & Creative Director, Souled Into Purpose International

Akeelia Thompson, also known as “Your Favourite Creativepreneur,” is the visionary behind Souled Into Purpose International (SIP). As a faith-driven strategist, master life coach, and storyteller, she empowers individuals to discover and live out their God-given purpose. Through the SIP Podcast and upcoming book, Akeelia shares real, faith-filled insights on purpose, resilience, and spiritual growth. With a background in digital strategy and leadership, she merges creativity and calling to build a global community passionate about purpose and impact.

“It’s time to get Souled Into Your Purpose.”