I was reviewing my notes from the last chapter of the book I just finished, The Awe of God, and 2 statements stood out to me, "Since holiness is perfected in the fear of God, it's our Lord's earnest desire for you to be an influencer in this great awakening", and, "it's not how we start this race that's important, but how we finish it."
As I reread that and stewed on these statements, a few things came to mind. With the new ban on TikTok that we all woke up to this morning, I thought it was so fitting to be reminded that I'm called to be an influencer yet the biggest platform many use to be social media influencers in the US has just been banned. Don't get me wrong, I love me some TikTok funnies, it's how my daughter and I communicate. I've never used it to promote a platform or to influence an audience, but I recognize how many were successful in that. I do enjoy sharing my thoughts and what I believe the Lord reveals to me on my blog site and on Facebook and Instagram. These are easy ways to share quickly with a large audience. But we need to also recognize that it's not the only way or even the best way to be an influencer. Sometimes it's not how many people you reach, but the impact on the one who needed it the most. Sometimes is that quiet moment nobody else sees, like praying with the man holding the sign on the corner without judgment and extended a smile and warm hug. Sometimes it's that unexpected conversation at the local coffee shop with a stranger. I'm by no means an influencer by worldly standards, but I do believe I make an impact on those I encounter. I've not always been good at sharing the Word, or being obedient in praying with others when the Lord presses me to, or serving without judgment; it's a process of growing and maturing. But just as that statement from the book said, it's not how I started the race, but how I finish it.
I couldn't help but be reminded of 1 Corinthians 9:24:27. I'm using the Message translation to share, it just hits right;
“You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. ”
What came to mind when recalling this scripture was the word endurance. Oxford defines endurance as "the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way." Life is for sure often unpleasant or difficult. But we have a choice. We can either give way and live in the pain without hope, or we can run the race with endurance knowing that the eternal reward is waiting for us; hoping to leave an impact on others that will encourage them to also finish the race well. How can you be an influencer? What outlets do you have that you aren't utilizing well? Who have you been called to reach? I challenge you to silence the noise of the world around you and listen for the Voice of Truth who longs for you to listen. He'll speak to you if you are willing to listen. 1/19/25