A life of Influence: Excerpt

A Life Rooted in Faith:

There may be times when God is using us and growing us for His glory and we feel opposition from others—even believers. In those times, we need to turn to God’s Word to find the truth. It can be tempting to give into our own insecurities and fears, but we must stay focused on Him rather than our circumstances. “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

When we allow people to intimidate us, we are not as effective for God. The Holy Spirit can help us overcome our fear of what some might say about us or do to us so that we can continue God’s work. When we stay in contact with the Lord all day long, His leading in our lives helps us be courageous and do what we believe the Lord is calling us to do. I’ve experienced this and you probably have too. Stay vigilant praying, listening to worship music that you love, surrounding yourself with others who are Christlike, and memorizing God’s Word.

Even when life is hard, God is working. I find that when I’m challenged and each day is a struggle, I call out to God even more. I listen to Him more closely. He draws nearer to me because I ask Him to. And I learn once again to lean on Jesus and not myself. We are human and imperfect and forgetful, and I’ve found that I have to start again each morning, setting my eyes on Jesus rather than myself.

We need godly women to wake up every morning with Jesus in mind. Women who look for the chance to love others better with the influence God has given us right where we are today. To be devoted wives, strong businesswomen, dedicated teachers, loving mothers, wise politicians, caring caregivers, and good grandmas. We need godly women everywhere who chase after Jesus and use their influence to love others well for the glory of God.