Your Incredible Power To Influence

A few years ago I ran into a college buddy that I hadn't seen in years. As freshmen in college we cared more about fun and joking around than academics. After catching up on where we had been over the years he said to me, “Ward, I hope you’re not offended but I’m really surprised that you've done so well for yourself. Back in college I never thought you’d amount to anything.” I nodded my head and in a serious tone said, “Yeah, I know what you mean. You surprised, me, too. I always thought you would amount to something.” :-) Is there anyone that's surprised with how well you've done? There’s one person who isn't surprised about your influence in one area of your life, God the Father. It’s not for the reasons you may think. It’s true the Father knows us, our gifts, talents and potential. Those may have helped you succeed in some respects. But in the area I'm thinking about your success isn't dependent upon any of those qualities. In fact, it’s dependent upon not having what the world thinks is important. [inlinetweet prefix="" tweeter="" suffix="@wardcushman"]You have the power to influence people for God and introduce people to God.[/inlinetweet] You have the ability to show people the truth of who God is, the depths of His love and the mystery of the free gift of salvation through Jesus. If you've been a Christian for very long you may have forgotten

• how hard it was to stop trying to save yourself.
• how hard it was to believe that a man (actually the God-man) who hung on a cross 2,000 years was able to pay for your sins.
• the struggle trying to accept something so easy for such a complex issue.
• that it wasn't about figuring it out but about trusting.

You became a Christian because you didn't have what the world said was most important. 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 describes the special unique qualities you need to become a Christian. God looks for those who are:

• not wise
• not powerful but weak
• not noble, low and despised

That doesn't sound very flattering does it? Exactly! At least not from the world’s perspective. Yet with those characteristics here’s the influence we can have for God.

• We shame the wise.
• We shame the strong.
• We bring to nothing those who think they’re something.

Stop trying to save your friends by your own plans. Realize the huge potential you have to touch lives for God is not because you’re the best tool in the toolbox. It’s because you are in the hands of the master craftsman. You have such unbelievable power and potential to affect the lives of those around you. How do we do that? Stop right now and ask the Father to lead and guide and use you today to make a difference in your world for Him. Ask God to use your words, your actions and sometimes just your presence to show the love of God to others. John 13:35. You may surprise yourself at how God uses you to influence others! But you won’t surprise God. You have exactly what He wants and needs you to have. Do you have an example of how God has used you to touch other's lives?  I'd love to hear it.  Please leave a comment or question below.