Power of Prayer and Influence

Something that has been really encouraging me and weighing on my mind is the power that prayer and influence has. We are influenced by people but also we have an influence on people. 

This weekend I was at home and got time to spend with my best friend Megan Nicole Rull. We had so much fun hanging out and catching up but it was also an encouraging time. There were so many things that we talked about that was happening in her life that we had been praying would happen for such a long time. Some things we had been praying for 4 years to happen. Some things had been as recent as October or a phone conversation the week before. It was so neat to see how God was working in her life and the people that surround her daily. I should know about the power of prayer because of what the Word says about prayer. It is an opportunity to communicate with the creator. To intercede with the Ultimate Planner about what is on our hearts for people. The Bible has plenty of stories about how God answered their prayers and after talking to Megan, I can definitely give concrete examples of what God is doing in her life. I absolutely love it.

Also when Megan and I were hanging out she said something to me that really struck me. She told me about how much I had impacted her faith and her life. To me I was awestruck. I couldn't believe it. This was my best friend. Someone that I just lived life with who had seen me in all kinds of states of angry, sad, happy, whatever I was feeling. It had never occurred to me that the things that I said and did actually had an impact. That the advise that I had given as a friend was actually listened and taken to heart. 

I know that it may sound silly because when people talk, most people listen but it had just never been said to me in those terms. No one my age who I was not intentionally trying to impact had ever told me this. I love Megan so much for this. She also has impacted my life and I hope and pray that she knows it. I love her like a fat kid loves cake. :)

Matthew 5:13-16 talks about how we are the salt of the Earth and a light in a dark city. We were made to influence people and to have relationships with people. That we have an impact is a privilege. The opportunity to impact the Kingdom for Jesus. At the same time that we have this potential to impact for the good, we can also impact negatively. We should watch how we act so that when people look at us they see the Maker. 

Acts 24:16 says "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." 1 Peter 3:15-16 says "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

We should always be ready to be held accountable for our actions and the way we behavior is seen. Keeping what we do as an example to those who are watching us. It is very humbling and exciting all at the same time. I hope that when I stand before God, He says to me, "Well done my good and faithful servant." I hope that I make God proud in the way that I represent him as his ambassador to the world.