Every Day Counts - Girlfriends in God - September 5, 2014

September 5, 2014
Every Day Counts
Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border…” (1 Chronicles 4:10, ESV).

Friend to Friend

Years ago I worked with a woman in Nashville named Cindy. She was a no-nonsense publisher for a major music company. Each month she listened to the songs I wrote and gave honest, constructive feedback that required this songwriter-chick to have thick skin and wear big-girl-panties.

I didn’t always love what she had to say.

Total honesty? She. Scared. Me. Silly.

I wrestled with her strong, bristly opinions while at the same time grew from the pruning of her wise, professional words. She challenged me toward greater excellence and she wasn’t afraid to speak difficult words of truth.

One thing I will never forget: as she listened to the new songs I wrote, she regularly insisted that I was a “worship leader/worship writer” instead of a CCM writer/artist (Contemporary Christian Music). Drove me bananas because I was SURE I was a CCM writer/artist.

Over the years, Cindy and I became friends and eventually, I came to realize that she was right all along. I am a worship leader and worship writer. And it’s not only who I am, it’s who I always was. Even when I didn’t know it and insisted otherwise.

Cindy died a few months ago.

Cancer stole her from us.

A few nights before she died, a large group of Nashville’s finest songwriters gathered at her bedside to celebrate her life, thank her for her impact, share stories, and sacredly sing her to the other side of glory. A knot held my throat captive as I watched the gathering on video. What a legacy. Cindy poured into so many people and spurred them on toward excellence.

She lived a life of influence.

I want to die like that.

I want to live like that.

Don’t you?

In the Bible, a man named Jabez asked God for all the influence God would give him. Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.” (1 Chronicles 4:10)

He wanted to live with impact to the max.

He pleaded to be a difference maker. Man, I’m right there with him.

We all have influence. The question is will we use our influence to sway our friends toward an awesome movie or will we influence them toward our awesome God? Will we choose to live in such a way to cause our unbelieving neighbor or co-worker to want to hear more about Jesus? Will we teach a young wife to understand how to respect her husband, or help a young mom realize that God is honored when she nurtures her demanding, thankless children? Will we help the weary parent of a prodigal see that her child’s rebellion is not her failure and not her child’s final faith chapter?

It all begins with a choice. If we want to be women of impact, we need to live with our eyes wide open to God-opportunities. We need to get beyond our own agendas and ask God what HIS agenda is. Let’s ask God to bless us and enlarge the borders of our influence for Him today!

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, Thank You for impacting my life with your grace and truth. Please open my eyes to see the opportunities all around me to point others to You. Stir my heart to make every day count for you.
In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Now It’s Your Turn

Consider the people in your life that you influence. Pray for fresh vision, courage, and opportunities to make an impact in their lives for Christ.

More from the Girlfriends

I want to impact YOU today, so I’m giving away 3 copies of my latest music project: “My Strength, My Song.” For a chance to win, CLICK HERE to visit my blog and leave a comment. Who do you want to impact?

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