 You are designed for Influence and Leadership!
I gave the charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many. Nehemiah 7:2 Too often we greatly underestimate our influence and the opportunities it brings! Studies reflect that the average person will influence over 10,000 people during the course of their lifetime. Wow! If you have entertained thoughts of being insignificant- think again! Just think- this very day our lives are having a distinct bearing on the life of others. God has designed it to be so. Good or bad every life is highly influential. Because of this, we need not ask, “how can I become more influential?” since we already are influential. Rather we should be asking, “What kind of influence am I?” The scriptures reveal over and over again one of the surest ways for us to use the influence we presently possess for good is to be “faithful and fear God.” When we choose to be faithful, reliable, and trustworthy- others are helped not hurt! Others are strengthened not straddled with weights that are not theirs to bear. Probably all of us, have at one time or another, experienced working alongside someone who is not doing their “fair share.” Their neglect becomes our burden. Life, in general, can be this way. Faithfulness lightens the burden of others, bringing a sense of security, order, and beauty. At the same time, when we are faithful, steadfast and conscientious we grow in confidence and the satisfaction of a job well done. It truly is a win-win. I love that this passage says, “he feared God more than many.” It doesn’t say, “he feared God more than everyone.” We don’t need to be better than everybody else; we don’t need to be perfect just faithful. When we are faithful with our own plot of ground eventually it shows. Like a fastidiously maintained lawn; watered, weeded and well-tended it will be reflected in the outgrowth. It will stand out as a radiant example. True and authentic leadership is not based on a position or title but rather influence that is stewarded well. Influence that is seasoned with faithfulness and the fear of the Lord will eventually become leadership. It is inevitable. Your faithfulness becomes an excellent example- you are shown to be someone others can look up to and emulate. “Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many.” Lord, open my eyes to the tremendous influence with which I have already been entrusted. Help me to strive for faithfulness not showiness as I walk with you day to day. I pray for the grace, wisdom, and power to steward well the terrain I have been given- may it grow up into a harvest that bears much fruit- fruit that remains! In the FAITHFUL name of Jesus-Amen! Deborah ARISE! (Week One) from Lisa Cook on Vimeo. |
 Lisa Cook
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