Your Sphere of Influence

Have you ever stopped to consider your sphere of influence? Perhaps you think you don’t really influence anyone, but that is simply not true. Everyone influences someone. If you are married, you influence your spouse. If you are a parent, you influence your kids. If you go to church, you influence the people there. If you live in a neighborhood, your influence extends to your neighbors. If you go to a workplace each day, then you influence the people at work. Never underestimate the truth that others are watching you. When you think about it that way, you are an individual of great influence!

It is difficult to realize that our influence can be increased through adversity, yet many times that is part of God’s plan to bring about good through all circumstances. We see how three men from the Bible demonstrate this consistently.

In the Bible, Joseph faced numerous adversities, yet rose to be the second in command of all of Egypt. His story reminds us that we are never out of God’s reach and we are never without hope. If God is with us, no one and nothing can stand against us.

In the Bible, Daniel was constantly "taking the high road" and choosing to do what was right rather than what was convenient. Every time he did he gained more of the king’s favor.
I could list many more - both Biblical characters and non-Biblical characters - individuals who faced adversity and overcame with God’s help. I wish I could tell you that you’ll never face adversity. I’d be lying to you if I did. Jesus Himself said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

You say, "Nope! That’s not me. No adversity here." Great, but somewhere, sometime you’ll face some. And if you are facing difficulties right now, well, don’t lose hope! Not only can God help you through the adversity if you ask Him, but He can use the adversity in your life to influence others.

My high school shop teacher had a sign over the door. It read "Getting up after you’ve fallen down strengthens your muscles." I want to encourage you today: If you’ve been knocked down, get back up. If you’re facing adversity, don’t face it alone. Ask God to help you......and He will!
Once you’ve come through it, help others who may be facing similar situations. In doing so, you’ll have more influence on others than you know!