Who You Know....

Sometimes we hear a person say, most often after a challenging time with even the smallest bureaucracy, "Well, it's who you know that makes all the difference."  The conversation will continue similar to: "The new employee didn't know me, and couldn't understand what I was trying to do, which was always simple before."   The suggestion is, if you have enough "pull" or "influence", or happen to have a "friend on the inside," things can go much better for you in negotiating anything.  There's a country song with lyrics: "I've got friends in low places!"  Most of the time, we want friends in HIGH places.

What I discovered in the business world, and even in many settings, it's not so much "who you know," as it is "WHO knows YOU."  When you visit a business where the owner knows you personally, or at least a high level manager/supervisor, things are going to go SO much better in your exchange.  Just the fact that I'm aware of someone's position earns me little.  But when an upper level employee or business owner knows you, often the "protocol" and "best business practices" are completely ignored as that person takes care of your need or request.

Very similar to me is our relationship with the Lord.  Many claim to know Him... yet He warned in John that many would claim to know Him, but He would not know or acknowledge them in the final days.  It's knowing that HE KNOWS ME that is the great comfort, and "the door opener" for us.  Knowing that you are KNOWN to HIM is the greatest comfort in this world, whether we ever see any particular 'benefits' or 'favors" in the lifetime!

Chasing Daylight - McManus

Just had a chance to read a very challenging book by the Pastor of Mosiac Church in Los Angeles. Erwin McManus is known for several of his writings, but this is an especially motivating work. The entire study is from I Samuel 14, and focuses on Jonathan, son of Saul.

The Israelite army is pinned down by their adversaries, the Philistines. (Seems like the Hebrew people are historically in someone's crosshairs.) King Saul was not taking action against the enemy, and his son Jonathan had a moment of inspiration, which he shared with his armor-bearer: "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. None can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many, or by few." His armor-bearer replied,"Do all that you have in mind. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul".

McManus points out the Choices available to Jonathan, the Initiative God's work requires, and the Uncertainty involved in adventuring with the Lord. Jonathan's life had an Influence on his companion, which helped both of them take a Risk for God.... something that is always present, if we are going to Advance the kingdom. When we make an Impact for the Lord's work, often a Movement occurs that can lead to the Awakening of God's people. (Okay, I gave you the chapter headings, capitalized!)

Again and again, the author points out the importance of responding in the moment of invitation to be partners with the Lord. One of my favorite quotes in the book reveals the impact we should be having on others: "What you may never see is the number of people who are pulled into God's purpose for their lives through the wind shear of your obedience". Simply, when we follow the Lord, others are challenged and emboldened to answer their individual call, as well.

Currently in our young singles/college group, there are at least 4 young ladies, and 8 young men who are either in studies, training, or have already answered God's call to full-time service. It wasn't necessarily one "going to the altar" and others following.... it was more like what Eugene Petersen refers to as a "long obedience in the same direction" for each of them. They each kept going forward, stepping into ministry opportunities, that led them to their present moving status.

Back to Jonathan, it's possible to read but not see the Risk and Uncertainty evident in these few verses: "Come, let's go.... perhaps the Lord will act..." How's that for an action plan for a church or ministry committee? I want to start trying more often to see opportunities where the Lord may just be waiting for someone to step up, and step into a greater part of His work!