Hey Everyone,
Ever wonder if your best ideas are truly God’s ideas? This week, a text exchange put that question to the test for me.
1 Story of Impact
Sometimes, you get an idea, and it just feels right. You’re excited, energized, and you can already see the vision. That’s exactly how I felt a little while ago about my friend, John O’Leary. He’s got a new movie coming out in October, Soul on Fire, and knowing John’s heart and the message, I immediately thought, “This is perfect for the upcoming Many Hands Impact Summit!”
So, I shot him a text, full of enthusiasm, laying out how we could feature his film, weaving it into our “Meant for More” theme. I wrote, “My friend, John! I’ve found myself praying for you a lot lately. You’ve stepped out in faith and praying for God to do incredible things to move people. I’ve also felt very strongly I am to support you, however I can. Here is an idea: we are having our BIG EVENT (Now the Impact Summit) in Des Moines on Friday, Sept 12. I’d love to promote your movie. Would you be willing to do a 1-minute personalized video to our audience, as an Impact Alumni, talking about the theme “Meant for More” (We believe every person is meant to live with purpose!) and then teeing up your video?”
I added, “I think it would be super powerful and I’d weave it into my talk about people I know who live a life meant for more… What do you think? Can we pull it off? Love it and happy to help promote the film …”
Then came John’s classic response, full of love and support, but also that immediate, piercing question: “But will you please ask yourself: Is this distracting from what we really should be doing/promoting here? Seriously.”
Woof. A punch to the gut? Maybe a little. But mostly, a moment of absolute clarity. He wasn’t shutting it down; he was sharpening the vision. He was asking if my enthusiasm was overshadowing God’s plan for the event. And in that moment, I knew I had to take it to the ultimate Source.
I responded, “I don’t think it does, as it builds on what we are trying to do with the morning. It showcases someone living an inspired life. In community. And it lifts up a higher calling. I’ll tell you what… I’m going to pray on it and put it before God and make sure He truly wants to do this. Not just me and not just you. If he comes back and says yes, I want you do to it. No holds barred.”
And John, being John, graciously replied, “I’ll patiently wait your reply to that prayer. Expecting nothing. And have service regardless. Love you, buddy. Keep making a difference.”
So I prayed. And I prayed. And the answer came back clear: YES. A resounding, undeniable confirmation. God wants to do this. He wants to showcase a life of impact, a story of someone “Meant for More,” and how it unfolds through relationships. My final text to him was, “John – I’ve prayed on this and I’m confirmed that I WANT to do this. I’ll tee it up and use it in my talk, showcasing a life of impact. A display of someone who was meant for more. And it happens through relationships. I’d love for you to record a short intro to the audience, making this personal for them. As a past alumni of the event, encourage them to take their impact seriously and invite them to join us on the journey. You are always amazing at that, so I have no doubt you can and will do awesome with that.”
This simple text exchange, born from an idea and refined by prayer and honest friendship, solidified that the upcoming Impact Summit isn’t just about what we plan, but what God intends to display – lives, like John’s, lived fully “Meant for More,” all in community, all for His glory. It’s going to be powerful.
3 Points to Ponder
- Discernment is everything. How often do we move forward with our own good ideas without first seeking God’s clear confirmation? True impact comes from His leading.
- Honest community sharpens us. When a trusted friend offers a challenging question, do we see it as a roadblock or a divine redirection? Authentic relationships help us align with God’s will.
- God loves to work through relationships. How are the connections in your life becoming channels for God’s greater purposes, displaying lives of impact?
2 Quotes to Share
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for that day.” – Abraham Lincoln
What a powerful reminder that we are all part of a story bigger than ourselves.
Have you ever experienced a “God moment” that changed your perspective? Feel free to reply and share—I read every response.
Live with impact,
Tim
