Secret To A Life God Uses!
Last Thursday I spent an hour being interviewed by Linda Goldfarb, the host of CLASS Radio, Communicating with Power on the topic of Leadership. Specifically,we talked about the creation, calling, and character of a leader.
We began by discussing how God shapes the person He uses to lead others, whether through their position (such as Moses, a pastor, or a team leader) or through being an influencer. I was never influenced by someone with a "title", but I have been profoundly helped by several older women who had never heard the word 'mentor' or saw themselves in this light.
Leaders or spiritual influencers don't just arrive, they have been prepared by God over the years through much inner soul work. God uses situations He allows to reveal who we are--and then calls us to become who we can be in Christ. Paul cried out, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" (Rom.7:24). But he also knew the secret of spiritual transformation: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." (Gal.2:20)
I shared during the interview (which you can listen to by clicking on the Facebook link on my Home webpage) that my first halting steps towards leadership came through being jealous and annoyed with another woman! It was only after the Holy Spirit convicted me of my wretched attitude, and I acknowledged it in repentence, that the door opened to becoming a discussion leader in Bible Study Fellowship. It was also through that incident that I realized the desire God had implanted to lead other women into a closer relationship with Him.
If you're thinking this doesn't apply to you because you're not a leader, yes it does! God's shaping of a leader is no different than His shaping of any one of His children. He wants to refine and reshape your inner stuff just as He does in me. Why? So we can reflect Him in our homes, workplace, with relatives, neighbors, or fellow believers who drive us crazy, as well as in our spending habits, thought-life, and moral choices.
Think about your journey so far:
- How has God shaped who you are at this time?
- Have you been moldable and responsive to what He has said?
I've needed so much 'hands-on' work by the Holy Spirit and it isn't over yet! I feel shock and awe when I think of His patience, perseverance, and power to shape a strong-willed woman's heart (and mouth!) and turn her in the direction He planned. But this is the secret to a life God uses.
How about you? How is God shaping you right now? I'd love to get a glimpse into your life by getting a comment back--even if you don't leave a name!
So what's the character He's trying to produce in us? Sign up to get an email notice when I post the next blog and I'll answer that question in a few days.
Blessings,
Poppy
https://www.poppysmith.com/
Email: poppy@poppysmith.com