Over the weekend I re-read a book by a friend of mine. It’s truly a great book and one I think I need to read at least once a year. There is one part that stands out to me each time I read it. It is the definition Pastor Karen shares about influence.
Pastor Karen’s book says this; Influence is the power to change or affect someone or something: the power to cause changes without directly forcing them to happen.
I just love this! I especially love the part that says, without directly FORCING them to happen.
I can so relate to this! There have been times when I wanted something in someone to change, I could see it needed to change, however, I have found if I try to force that change, it only gets worse. Have you ever experienced that?
It has taken me many years, but I have learned to truly let go and give it to God.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 says, Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
James 1:4 says, But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
I have learned that patience plays a big part in being a person of influence, a person who has the power to bring change without forcing it.
I have learned to be patient when I see people who I feel need to change certain things. I have learned to keep my mouth shut entirely UNTIL GOD tells me to speak. Why? When I wait on God, He goes before me and paves the way, prepares the heart and the words I speak are received. God leads, the Holy Spirit leads, He doesn’t force His way in.
Today I am reminded of something that once happened between two good friends of mine. At the time, one friend was doing something she shouldn’t be doing. The other friend felt the Lord was telling her to confront and correct this friend. She did. It was not received well, and they are no longer friends.
It was sad to me; the one friend was correct about what the other was doing BUT her delivery was so judgmental and harsh it was not received well. Therefore, it brought irreparable division, hurt and anger. It did not have to be that way. 
If you choose to be a person of influence, you need to be aware that your delivery is as important as your words. If you do feel you must say something, how you do it is vital. If you come across as religious or judgmental, it won’t be received well. However, if you wait on God and do all things out of love, with love and concern, you will be heard. Motive and love are important. If correction is your motivation – stop, seek God, and wait on Him. If love is your motivator – love never fails.
Ephesians 4:15 says, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ.
1 Corinthians 16:14 tells us to do all things in love.
Love doesn’t force – it leads. God is love so let love lead you. Allow wisdom to guide you and wait for God’s timing…if you do these things, you will certainly become a person of influence.
(The book I am referring to is Spirit Led Prayers Get Results by Pastor Karen Jethroe, you can order it at this link; https://www.karenjethroe.com/shop )
