Divine InfluencerSample

When Olivia first arrives at the shelter, it is all about her. She needs a place to sleep, food to eat, and she needs a job. When we come to Jesus, doesn’t it also begin that way for us? We accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, believing we have found the genie in the magic lamp. We believe our lives will be devoid of problems. The God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills will provide all we could hope or dream of. Salvation is viewed through the sight of rose-colored glasses with all of its benefits focused on us.

As Olivia continues at the shelter, she learns the position she’s been given comes with responsibility and hard work. Scrubbing the bathroom is a harsh wake-up call. She struggles with the experience as God, in his timely fashion, delivers a text from her dad, “We are praying for you.” She finds learning to do things God’s way is a hard-earned task. The rose-colored glasses become clear as she sees the truth of sacrificial service.

Giving ourselves for the good of others in our own strength becomes a tedious hardship. When we learn to allow God’s Holy Spirit to empower us as we serve, it becomes a yoke He shares with us that brings joy. Olivia transforms, impacted by the residents and staff at the shelter. Testimonials invade her heart and mind causing her to wonder if God knows her, can He use her? From a self-centered influencer to God’s servant, her transition is visible in the metamorphosis of her character. She begins loving who God loves and sacrificing herself for the needs of others. Her desires are His as she becomes the hands and feet of Jesus to those at Harvest.

If you are a Christ follower, you should be asking, “Where am I called to serve?” When children of God lay themselves on His altar as broken bread and poured out wine on behalf of others, He will not hesitate to accept the offer. He will fill his child with the same power He exerted when He raised the savior from the grave, accomplishing the works He planned in advance for them. We only have one life to live for Christ. Pray to live as Jesus did, looking to the needs of all God calls you to.