Stepping Into Influence
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverb 3:5-6
One of my best friends earned her masters in accounting and was looking for a job after she finished her degree. The job market was tough -- not many people were hiring, and it was the second January after the big recession of 2008.
She kept applying to different companies and ended up with two choices. One was with one of the four big accounting firms; the other was with a smaller company that would be closer to home. The large company offered her a great package, but she decided to turn it down because of the hours she would be working. The contact for this company called her back and said, "No, you absolutely must work here," after which she prayed, negotiated, and agreed to work there for a season. She knew that God had been orchestrating these events for her future.
During the job, it was very hard work and stressful, but she gained a lot of favor with the managers and other employees of the company. One in particular took special interest in her to mentor her along the way, and they developed a type of Elijah/Elisha relationship. Although the work was difficult and required resilience, God was breathing the wind in the sails of her life.
When we allow God to move us forward, we'll find ourselves in places we didn't expect. Often these places will result in influence we weren't necessarily seeking. As we move forward in God, we need to make sure our hearts are open, so we don't miss the steps God has orchestrated in order to move us into greater places of influence. He desires we be in place of influence so that His light can shine before men. (Matthew 5:16)
Are you on a journey of stepping into influence?
