My mother-in-law gave shared a bit of personal history with me the other day that got me thinking about the influence we have in other people’s lives.
Very early in their ministry a pastor in Lansing heard of them and in her words “took a chance” and invited their puppet ministry to do a week of Vacation Bible School. This pastor and his wife gave my in-laws much-needed friendship, loyalty, and encouragement over the years, even after God moved them out of state. In addition to encouraging a young couple in their fledgling ministry, this pastor introduced them to the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. He had attended Grace Bible College in Winona Lake, Indiana which was where the national FCM was held for years. Only God knows if they ever would have gone down that path if they had not done the VBS at that church in Lansing. And remember, it was at the FCM that my in-laws met my family and where Ked and I began our friendship. Not only did this couple from Lansing encourage a young ministry that would later impact thousands of children and families, they urged my in-laws down a path that provided their ministry with teaching and encouragement as well as the opportunity for them to teach countless others the creative skills to further their own ministries (as well as the meeting of a future daughter-in-law!).
We live in a world where your influence is measured in fans and followers and page views and you tube hits. But God looks not at your numbers. He looks at your heart. He is eternal. He sees not just today, but all of the future.
What you say to one person today might encourage thousands in years to come. Only God knows. So step out in faith today. Is there someone that God has laid on your mind to call, or send a note to, or pray for? Is there a good word you need to share with someone today? It might just be what that person needs to keep going.
My Mom told me last weekend that she heard a message on the radio that pointed out how God always used humans to perform miracles. Even Jesus was in human form when he performed his miracles. He used a young boy’s loaves of bread and fish to feed 5,000. Don’t you think he could have produced that from thin air? He used Moses striking the rock to produce water for the Israelites. What might He be asking of you today that may cause a miracle in someone’s life today or in the future? Listen to His voice. Don’t with hold your love and good words. You are His voice. You are His arms of love.
Has there been someone who offered a word of encouragement or pointed you down a path that changed your life? I’d love to hear your stories! Please post a comment or link to a blog post!