“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly.” ~ Richard Bach
You are most likely where you are today because of someone who believed in you before you believed in yourself and who also believed in you more than you believed in yourself. These are special people God brings into our lives to serve as catalysts for revealing His purpose in us.
When you respect someone and hold them in high regard, their words carry weight. Their support, encouragement and belief in you mean more to you than any compliment from a stranger. Because of their platform of influence in your life, they were able to empower you with their words. Because they believed in you, you were able to look beyond your doubts and fears and believe in yourself. They were able to see things in you that you couldn’t see. Where you saw barriers, they saw potential. Where you saw weakness, they saw possibilities.
I truly believe God uses these special people in our lives to help us recognize and appreciate the talents, gifts and opportunities with which he has blessed us. He knew we would listen to them, so they became His voice of purpose and potential in our lives. Paul was this kind of voice for Timothy.
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12 NLT)
There is someone in your realm of influence today that is your “Timothy.” Your words carry weight and your declaration of belief in them would take them to new heights. They may be young or old, but God has positioned you to observe them and has given you unique insight into their potential. You see possibilities they can’t yet see.
Ask God to reveal insight and wisdom to you about how you could be His voice into someone’s life today. Do this with humility, authenticity and with much prayer. Take caution to speak of your belief in what they could be without creating lofty expectations they feel they need to measure up to. Point them toward success, not failure. Seek to discern their full potential and ask God to give you His words of encouragement for them.
When you empower others with words of wisdom and encouragement, you will both be greatly blessed. Someday they will be asked: “Who believed in you before you believed in yourself and who believed in you more than you believed in yourself?” And they will answer with your name.
Speak empowering words into someone’s life today by simply telling them what you think they do well. You will lift them to new heights of confidence and help them see God’s design for their life and service. God may want to use your influence today to launch their life and career towards a whole new trajectory.