Making an Impact for Christ!

Making an Impact for Christ!

In Jesus’ name, I believe we can make an impact on the world.

Furthermore, we are called to make a positive impact on the world.

If it is true that we have the power that raised Christ from the dead living within us, how can we not make an impact? If it’s true that we are united with Christ, what can keep us from making an impact? If our destiny is a place with no tears or pain but of eternally being in God’s presence, why in the world would we even think we cannot make an impact?

And by making an impact, I don’t mean that God calls us to go into the world with our gifts and talents, using them however we see fit (or using our gifts and talents selfishly). But I am stating that we each have a very specific assignment and are called to use our gifts and talents in a very specific way. Proverbs 29:18 explains, “Without revelation people run wild, but the one who listens to instruction will be happy.”

Sister friend, I know these words to be true because I was one of those who ran wild. I did not heed instructions. Nope, not me. I was a rebellious young woman running from God and fighting for my life. I was not using my life to make a positive impact. The impression I made was far from positive. I felt alone, misunderstood, and rejected. It wasn’t until I found God patiently waiting for me that I realized everything I was searching for and in need of was found in Him. I needed His love, His grace, and His forgiveness. And, when I accepted who I was in Christ, I stopped running from God, and I ran to God. Isn’t God awesome?

At this very moment, if you take anything from these words, I pray you will recognize the significance of obedience. I hope you’ll join hands with me and run into the arms of our loving Father. Let’s listen to God’s instruction, heed His revelation, and catch His vision. Are you with me?

Impact as a Leader

One of the first ways God calls us to make an impact is by leading. Paul instructed Timothy not to “let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Young or old, we must all take Paul’s words to heart. Rather than counting ourselves out because of a limitation or a perceived obstacle, we must set an example for other believers. And, as we lead, we are instructed to lead in love, faith, and purity, calling others to follow us as we follow Christ.

We are also called to lead because we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. The world is watching us, paying close attention to what we say and do, and trust me, they are taking notes on our words and actions. What are they hearing and seeing? As shared in Matthew 5:13, “If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness?” Sisters, we can start leading today, in this season of life. YOU can lead by example, offering yourself as a testimony to God’s goodness. YOU can share how God showed up for you and give others the hope and encouragement they are desperately seeking.

Impact as a Light-Bearer

You see, our stories can serve others as we lead. Our testimonies encourage those who are of the world to abandon their selfish ways and follow Jesus, just as I did. I turned and ran to Him, and I pray you too will turn others to Him. Matthew 5:15-16 (MSG) reads, “I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” We are called to be generous with our lives, including our gifts and talents.

One of my favorite Scripture verses is John 8:12 (CEV).

“Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, ‘I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.’”

These words warm my heart every time I read them. Jesus is the light for the world, and whoever follows Him will live in the life-giving light of God. This verse is the reason I chose Reflecting Life for my community. I pray daily to reflect the life that God has so graciously given me. I am so thankful He called me out of the darkness, and that is where my passion was ignited.

Impact as a Servant Leader

We are also called to serve. My journey is loving and serving. Giving back to women of all generations and all ages. And, through our serving and helping others, we are leading women to Christ. But be aware that, as leaders, we must never allow our positions to become a prideful pursuit where we are besting one another or lording our authority over others. This is not why we serve. Serving is about fulfilling a need and alleviating the burden from someone else. When we are in a leadership position, we are commanded to “Humble {ourselves} before the Lord, and he will lift {us} up” (James 4:10, emphasis mine).

A beautiful way to combine serving and leading is through servant leadership. Read Philippians 2 for a perfect example of serving. Jesus set the standard for what servant leadership should look like. From Him, we learn to give up any notions of pride we are harboring in our hearts. We learn to seek the interests of others before our own. We learn to pick up the towel and wash the feet of our friends, as well as our enemies. We learn to take up our cross daily and lay down our lives for the people around us.

That is what purposeful leadership looks like. We can make an impact when we set our eyes on Jesus and follow the example that He set. We are called to let go of any selfish ambition and serve others out of humility and love.

Doubting Our Ability to Make an Impact

Still, many of us doubt that we have the potential to make any impact at all. We doubt our gifts and talents, and we question if they could ever be used for anything significant.

But let me remind you of one very important fact: our gifts are from God. It’s not a matter of how great we are or if we’ve earned it. Remember God’s response when Moses doubted his ability to feed God’s people? Numbers 11:23, “The Lord answered, ‘I can do anything! Watch, and you’ll see my words come true.’” Never downplay the impact you can make because, in doing so, you are downplaying God’s ability. It is God who is working through you, so never underestimate the influence you have to make amazing things happen.

YOU matter, and YOUR gifts matter. Through the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through you, someone else’s life could be changed today. God is in the business of changing lives, and He won’t stop just because you doubt your ability or you’ve made some poor choices in your life. Remember who you are and whose you are. YOU were made in the image of God.

Today, keep your focus on God, our Father. Allow Him to lead you. And, if you find yourself running from God’s call, stop. Stop running and stop doubting. Turn to Him and surrender. Right now, let go of your fear and uncertainty. Welcome and embrace all that He has for YOU, and when you do, you will find YOU ARE ENOUGH.

Impact Challenge

This week, I invite you to explore the stories in Scripture that showcase God’s amazing grace. Recall the flawed people He used to make an impact all throughout the pages of the Bible. And then believe that God can and will do the same in your life. Lead with a humble mindset, giving Him all the glory. Share your gifts and talents in the way He has assigned them to you. Keep your eyes on Jesus and your heart open, and YOU will make an impact beyond your wildest dreams. Are you ready?