INFLUENCESample

Name Them

I hate making the dreaded Starbucks run. It’s not because I hate coffee, or because I’m lazy. Its because even though Starbucks is a coffee shop, anytime that I have ever offered to make a Starbucks run, no one orders coffee.

They order a grande, decaf, soy latte with light foam. Or a tall americano with three Splendas and a splash of almond milk. Or, most dreaded of all, a venti caramel frap with extra whip cream, chocolate drizzle, and two extra shots.

It’s too specific. It’s so easy to mess it up. All it takes is one too many Splendas and Brenda (its always a Brenda) will never trust me to do anything right, ever again.

I do like sending other people on the dreaded Starbucks run though. And you better believe my order is so detailed that it takes five minutes just to recite it to the barista.

Because when it effects me, I’m going to be specific.

As you consider the influence that God has given you, its important to be specific. It’s one thing to pray, “God, use me today.” Its another to pray, “God, use me to impact Brenda’s life today,” (you know that with her Starbucks order, Brenda needs Jesus). Both are good, but God deepens your faith when you get specific about His mission.

Do you know someone that needs to meet Jesus? Then start to pray for them, and be specific!

Challenge:

1. THINK ABOUT IT! Make a list of the people that you could invite to your youth group/church this week.
2. REFLECT! Who is the first person that comes to mind when you think about who you should pray for specifically? Why did they come to your mind?
3. PRAY! Take some time to pray for the people on your list today. Pray for them by name. Be specific.