Have you ever known someone with influence? I’m not talking about a good salesman on social media, but about someone who made a difference in your life because of their faith and their presence.
It’s a question I began to think about after watching Preston Troutt’s White Chair Film. His story is heavily influenced by two people – his small group leader and dad. They both prayed for him and gave him guidance as he wrestled with finding his identity.
I think Preston’s story is encouraging because we all can relate to someone in it. Most of us go through seasons of trying to figure out who we are and who we want to be. We wrestle with finding our identity and learning to find it in what Jesus did on the cross instead of what we’ve accomplished. Many of us can also relate to Preston’s small group leader or dad – watching someone walk through trials, trying to give wisdom and guidance when it may not be accepted.
But here’s what I’ve learned after being on both sides of the story – the struggle is what drives us to Jesus. As we wrestle with who we are, we eventually come to the end of ourselves and realize that Jesus is all we have and need. We learn that in order to build a successful life – whatever success looks like to you – we have to have Jesus as our foundation. If we put our trust in our abilities, intelligence, resources, relationships or even looks, we won’t find stability. All of those things can be taken from us, but not Jesus.
When we’re mentoring someone or even just trying to help a friend or family member through a hard time, it’s this foundation that we operate from. Personally, I’m a fixer and I come from a long line of fixers. If I see a problem that I can help solve, you better believe I’m going to dive right in, roll up my sleeves and get to work. But as I’ve grown, in life and in my walk with God, I’ve had to learn that it’s not always my place to do so. I’ve been forced to learn that sometimes, no matter how hard I try, I’m not meant to be the one with the answers. It’s not my job to fix.
It is my job to pray. It is my job to listen. It is my job to help people remember the love, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus when they’re hurting.
Preston’s small group leader met with him once a week for over seven years. That meant he was there as Preston wrestled with drug addiction, failed relationships, career struggles and depression. I’m sure there were times he wanted to give Preston a step-by-step guide on how to get back on track. I’m sure he had moments of thinking, “If he would just take my advice, he could avoid all of this pain.” But you know the best thing he did? He continued to cover Preston in prayer. He continued to show up and be there – no judgment, no shame. A physical example of God’s acceptance and love.
And now Preston is on the other side of the story. He is influencing the next generation as a small group leader. His small group leader’s son is actually in Preston’s small group, giving him the opportunity to show up and walk through life in the same way.
So, no matter what side of the story you find yourself on today, stay encouraged. Keep seeking God, lifting up your loved ones in prayer and ask God to help you be an example of God’s love to a hurting world. God answers prayer and he will help you through.
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