Assigned Influence

S - “But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. …“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” 2 Corinthians 10:13, 17-18 ESV

O - "The Area of Influence God assigned". What a great phrase and reality.  God already has it mind to assign us areas of influence which allow us to work with him in his purposes in people and on earth. He's not waiting for us to get it started, he's already working. [“But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working. … So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.” John 5:17, 19-20 ESV] He's not wanting us to 'take the lead' he wants us to follow. “Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.” John 6:5-6 ESV

A - Jesus never called me to a cause, only to himself ("Follow me and I will make you …"). He came to earth sent by the Father to work with him and he is still working to this very day. He doesn't want me to work for him but with him. He doesn’t want me to carve out my territory and make a name for myself "for him." Jesus made himself of no reputation. He wasn’t doing things to prove his worth or earn his way. This is the way he was sent and how he sends all others. [“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:5-7] I'll follow unto a boasting which is only in him and an influence which really is on earth like it is heaven.

P - Lord,

I accept the call to follow you and not take the lead; to work with you and not for you. I accept your assignment of influence which enables the beauty of your will on earth just like it happens in heaven. Thank you for wanting us, loving us and including us in your very self. I give my whole self back to you.

Steve