Be a Woman of Influence
Being married to a Pastor, one of the places that I find myself at a lot is the funeral home. No one really likes to be there, but yet I find myself intrigued with the stories that I hear there. Often times, my husband preaches a funeral of someone whom we didn’t personally know, but I assure you, by the time of the memorial service we feel like we really knew the deceased.
The stories told tell the story of influence.
It is very rare that we will hear a grieving loved one say, “Grandma just never influenced me in any way.” Truth is, Grandma (or anyone for that fact), will have influence one way or another. It will either be in a positive way or not so much. I love to listen to the dynamic memories of how Grandma, or Mom, or Auntie influenced a young lady for the good; for God!
Having influence is simply having the ability or power to change or somehow affect someone or something. As a Pastor’s wife, one thing that I would want to imprint on every woman in our church is that they would open their eyes and open their hearts to become the woman of influence that God intends them to be.
The Bible is full of examples of women who recognized that with God, their sphere of influence was endless:
Deborah became a warrior and a judge! (Judges 4 & 5)
Esther saved her people! (book of Esther)
Eve became the first woman; first wife, first mother, first grandmother! (Genesis 1 -3)
Mary became the mother of Jesus! (Luke 2:1-7)
Whether positive or negative, all of these women were very influential. And you and I are not much different. As women; we have the power to turn the head of our husband, we have the power to shape our children, we have the power to run our own companies, and we have the power to turn our communities into eco-green environments.
But what, may I ask, is our power worth unless we use our influence to draw others closer to God?
A woman came to my office not long ago, frustrated and lashing out about how things were going in the ministry that she was involved with. She did not like how some people were acting, so she just wanted to quit. I listened for awhile, I encouraged her in the Word and I prayed with her. It wasn’t until she got up and walked out of my office that I realized what the problem was: she did not recognize the woman of influence that she was.
I have found that a woman’s attitude will affect her entire atmosphere. Whether it is in her home, at her job, in the circle of her ministry or even in the palace:
“What if you don’t say anything at this time? Then help for the Jews will come from another place. But you and your family will die. Who knows? It’s possible that you became queen for such a time as this.” -Esther 4:14
As I think about all of the women who have influenced me for the good; for God, I can’t help wonder what kind of influence I’ve been? What IF God placed me right where I am so that I could be an influence to that lady who is discouraged, or lonely, or hurt or betrayed. What IF He chose me for such a time as this?
I don’t know what kind of stories will be told at my own funeral; I hope whatever it is that it will encourage some little preachers wife that never knew me. But most importantly, I pray that my influence will leave a legacy for God to be honored for generations and generations yet to come.
Think about your “What If” and the power of influence you can have. Who knows, you may even be the next queen… for such a time as this!
Thank you so for the wonderful reminder that God can use us to influence others to His greater good.