DoublePortion_October2023_8.5x5.5_REV.indd

tion can do; if you depend on promotion, you get what promotion can do; if you depend on prayer, you get what God can do.”Taking it a step further, JohnWesley stated, “God does nothing except in response to believing prayer.” Elijah, as a voice before God, exemplifies the above.Yet, note that he was an influencer among people as well. I heard him de scribed recently as a superhero of his day.That fits, considering the miracles he performed, evil he confronted and lives he affected. The apostle Paul, who penned a large portion of the New Testament, comes to mind as a significant influencer in his day, as well as throughout history. He boldly challenged the church at Corinth, “Be imitators of me” (1 Corinthians 11:1), a statement you won’t find believers making very often. Most are not confident enough in their faith to serve as role models. Many don’t want to draw attention to themselves or feel it depicts arrogance. And yet, now, more than ever, strong Christian voices and platforms are needed. If we don’t stand up and make a difference, someone else will. Influencers, most of them carnal and amoral, are at work; especially among Gen Z and Generation Alpha.This in fluence is spreading even more rapidly in this age of social media. Should you be among those who feel afraid or inadequate expressing your faith, note the other half of Paul’s statement just mentioned, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corin thians 11:1, emphasis added). Summoning and sending His disci ples on mission, Jesus warned them about facing interrogations and beatings at the hand of authorities. “But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you” (Matthew 10:20). Mainly, it wasn’t special training or unique ability that led Elijah to accomplish what you’re about to read, but rather the

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