Monday Morning Devotion-March 28, 2016
The Influencer
But Moses pleaded with the Lord, "O Lord, I'm not very good with words. I never have been and I'm not now…I get tongue-tied and my words get tangled. The Lord said "go I will be with you as you speak and I will instruct you in what to say. But, Moses again pleaded, Lord please send anyone else. Exodus 4:10-12
One of the things that a book publisher looks for these days is to see what the author'splatform looks like. I don't recall seeing that used years ago. They just called it a bio back then.
I read that the writer's platform was barely an item for acceptance by publishers back in 2004 and the early years of the turn of the century. But by 2012: "It was the most important factor in determining whether or not a publisher would make an offer on a project." (www.thewritelife.com)
So, what is an author's platform anyway and how in the world does it fit in with today's devotion? Well, here is the deal with the author's platform part. It ain't easy to explain. It is not one size fits all. It is different for every single writer. It basically should show the author's
1) unique story/message 2) unique strengths and qualities 3) target readership. (www.janefriedman.com)
In other words it is a way of telling a publisher or anyone else how you are different. And that's what was going on with Moses and God and that is a good life lesson for us all.
If you recall Moses had escaped from Egypt where his people were enslaved. And now the Lord was telling him to go back and help rescue them. Of course Moses had fled from Egypt after he "killed an Egyptian who he saw beating a Hebrew, one of his own people." (Exodus 21: 11-12)
Now the Lord was instructing him to go back and lead his people out of slavery. Imagine what Moses was thinking. "Hey, if I go back there I'll be charged with murder. Imagine what kind of chance a Hebrew would have in an Egyptian court? If it even came to that."
So he started coming up with every excuse he could think of. He knew it was God directing him to go back. God had appeared to him in the burning bush by sending an angel with a message. The angel was standing in the flames. Who could pulled that off except God?
When God told Moses that he had "seen the misery of his people" and followed up by saying "Now go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt."
"Say what? You want me to go where, Lord?" Oh yeah, just think about when we are faced with something that seems like an impossible task. It is a natural thing to first make excuses why this won't work. We can't do it. Somebody else who is more qualified than us should take it on. Our author's platform is weak. It won't cut it."
So here comes the excuse making from Moses. He says, "What if they don't believe me or listen to me and say, "the Lord did not appear to you?" God beat back that argument by demonstrating his power. He converted Moses' staff into a snake. Than after another miraculous occurrence God had his attention. Yes, the power was there.
Still Moses was looking for a way out. "But look at my writer's platform God. I'm not eloquent. I stutter. I can't string two words together without messing up."
LAB commentary says: "Moses pleaded with God to let him out of his mission. After all, he was not a good speaker and would probably embarrass both himself and God. But God looked at Moses problem quite differently. All Moses needed was some help and who better than God could help him say and do the right things. God made his mouth and would give him the words to say."
Could that apply to us? Do we sometimes feel inadequate because we fear that we won't know what to say? Maybe it is to talk to a person who is ill, perhaps even in the hospital. Could be we should provide solace to one who is grieving. God may direct us to help someone in a task who is not easy to get along with and could resent us.
Here's the deal with that kind of thinking. If it is coming from God then He will equip us to do what the task requires. LAB says, "It is easy for us to focus on our weaknesses, but if God asks us to do something, then He will help us get the job done. If the job involves some of our weak areas, then we can trust that He will provide words, strength, courage, and ability where needed. When we face frightening or difficult situations, we must be able willing to let God help us."
You may not think of yourself as a leader. Well, the good news is you don't have to be a leader to influence, encourage or help someone else. Tony Dungy writes: "If we have a cheery disposition for everyone we come in contact with the list of options to make a difference is endless."
When we think of influencing others we usually think of it synonymously with the term leader. And when we consider leaders we think of some of the world's most famous people. Politicians, CEO's, Coaches, Congressmen/women, Evangelists. It is a big list.
Writer Jeff Goins (www.goinswriter.com) says: "Anyone can be a leader. Sounds easy, right? It's not. True leadership is rare, because most people aren't willing to do the one thing they need to grow their influence."
And what is this big, earthshaking thing we have to do to influence, lead or help others? Simply be accessible. Yes, accessibility is the key to influencing others. Sometimes it simply takes a sincere, "How may I help you?"
Jesus was accessible. When he started his ministry the people flocked to Him. Crowds gathered everywhere he went. Moses finally made himself accessible and he led his people out of slavery.
What about you? Are you accessible? When you do become accessible there is one thing you can count on. God will help you become an influencer.
Prayer: Lord it is our prayer that you will use our personal platform to become influencers for you. Amen!
***author's note: Have an influential week!