Standing Before Influencers

Scripture:

“But Paul stood his ground. ‘With all respect, Festus, Your Honor, I’m not crazy. I’m both accurate and sane in what I’m saying. The king knows what I’m talking about. I’m sure that nothing of what I’ve said sounds crazy to him. He’s known all about it for a long time. You must realize that this wasn’t done behind the scenes. You believe the prophets, don’t you, King Agrippa? Don’t answer that—I know you believe.’ But Agrippa did answer: ‘Keep this up much longer and you’ll make a Christian out of me!’ Paul, still in chains, said, ‘That’s what I’m praying for, whether now or later, and not only you but everyone listening today, to become like me—except, of course, for this prison jewelry!’ The king and the governor, along with Bernice and their advisors, got up and went into the next room to talk over what they had heard.” Acts 26:25-30 (MSG)

Perspective:

Remember a time when you stood before someone who had weight in determining your job. The nerves and tension were mounting. You knew that God was going to have to help you. But when you stand before an influencer, it is easy to lose perspective instead of trusting God with the outcome.

Paul’s road to standing before influencers was full of imprisonments, beatings, and rejection by people. But, Paul never let an opportunity pass by without sharing the life changing power of Jesus. When he stood in chains before King Agrippa, he didn’t let the position, influence, or power of the King intimidate him. Paul saw it as one more opportunity to influence an influencer. When the moment came, he was ready. At some point, you might stand before Kings, rulers, Governors, Presidents, or CEOs. Many times, we can think that those are the only people who are movers and shakers. But, what about your co-worker who sits next to you at work everyday? What potential influence do they have on their spouse and 2 kids at home? What about their extended family and friends? Instead of just looking and seeing one person, what if we saw all the people they could influence? It changes our approach to sharing Jesus with people. Even though it will impact that one person, the ripple effect of investing in an influencer can be vast. The amazing thing is that God gives us the opportunities, but it is up to us what we do with them. If we choose to take a backseat and not seize the opportunities, we might forgo rejection, but we also might be missing out on something that could change our lives as well. So, regardless of the potential influence, whether it seems great or small, purpose to use your platform to share the life-changing love of Jesus.