An example of influence in action is found in Mark 1:17, where Jesus said to Simon and Andrew, follow me and I will make you fishers of men. I'm sure you'll agree that no ordinary person off the streets could have caused two grown men to effectively quit their jobs with immediate effect and follow them, no questions asked. That would be the equivalent of you or I walking into our local corner-shops and asking the proprietor to lock up, throw away the keys and follow us! Jesus was able to do so because He was a man of influence. A few verses prior to making that bold request, He had been publicly and dramatically endorsed by God during His baptism, and had, no doubt, launched His ministry in the blaze of that publicity - He wasn't a "nobody" anymore, He was someone to be reckoned with.
However way your current year has turned out, there is still time to prepare a plan for entering into 2008 with a sense of purpose, a clear vision and focus. A New Year provides a great and unique opportunity - a new beginning, a blank canvass - a good time to begin to move into the destiny God has for you.
The end of the year is therefore an ideal time to start stirring up the gift of God that is in you (2 Tim 1:6) and get ready to start the next year strongly! The gifts and talents that God gave you are clues to your assignment - what God expects you to accomplish here on earth - and, once you figure it out, your success is virtually guaranteed.
In the Parable of Talents, the first thing the master did on his return was to settle accounts with his servants - no preamble, that was his priority (Matt 25:19). Do you feel like you've buried your talent? Well, here is the new beginning you need. Remember this is one area you have absolute power over.
You can make it happen, and the good news is, all the tools you need are already in you - you just have to stir them up. Proverbs 20:5 (NIV) says the purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. Your purpose for being here on earth at this particular time is all there on the blueprint that God placed on the inside of you, when He gave you your talent, but you need to understand what it is and determine to draw it out.
Whatever you did or didn't do in 2007 is over and done with. Like the apostle Paul, let us now forget the past and press toward the goal for the prize for which God called us (Phil 3:13-14). It is time to cast your gaze firmly on 2008 and plan to hit the ground running. Determine to go for your dreams full throttle, and lay a strong foundation for the entire year!
Sade Diya, Author of Activate Your Dreams, is a Motivational Speaker, Business Coach and Host of the Strong Start Business Bootcamp. For more information please visit: www.strongstart.info
