Influence

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Tim 1:5 (NIV)

My dad became a severe alcoholic which led to my parents’ divorce when I was seven years old. As a result, I grew up in a single parent family. My mother sought to fulfill both roles of being a father and a mother to me and my older brother.

The one constant in our upbringing was church. My mother played the piano and my Mamaw played the organ. Every Sunday morning and evening and Wednesday night we would be at church. During those years of growing up without a dad, God raised up some godly men in our church who took us fishing, hunting, and camping.

The Apostle Paul is writing a very personal note to his son in the ministry, Timothy. He recalls Timothy’s sincere faith which first became evident in the lives of Timothy’s mother and grandmother. They effectively handed down their faith to their son and grandson, Timothy.

I can relate. My mother and Mamaw have consistently lived out their faith. God used their influence to bring me to the point of recognizing my need for Jesus to become my personal Lord and Savior. On March 28, 1979, I turned my life over to Christ and He saved me. Ever since that moment, I have had the wonderful privilege of knowing the Friend who sticks closer than a brother and the Father who will never let me down.

Who has God used to influence you to develop an abiding relationship with Jesus? Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the godly influences He has brought into your life.

Pursuing God,

Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care