You Have A Platform

Millions Google John 3:16 because Tim Tebow wore it on his eye black

If you’re a football fan or if you are simply alive, chances are you’ve heard of Tim Tebow.  The 24-year-old star quarterback for the Denver Broncos has been making headlines not only for leading his team in some breath-taking victories, but also for his strong Christian faith.

Tebow was famous for wearing John 3:16 on his eye black in college until the NCAA banned him and others from doing so.

But, it seemed God would have the final say on that.

On January 8th, the night the Broncos upset the defending AFC Champions the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tebow threw a record 316 yards and averaged 31.6 yards per pass; guess what CBS’s rating for the game peaked at? you guessed it:  31.6! All those 3-16′s had fans searching the internet where they found the famous Bible verse where Jesus says:

“FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, SO THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.”.

Tebow’s performance made “John 3:16″ the most searched item on Google.

The very next night, I was in my local Christian bookstore, where Tebow’s best-selling book, “Through My Eyes” caught my attention.

I went over and opened to the prelude where I was immediately impressed and convicted by his words….

“I am responsible for how I use my platform, whatever its size, at this moment in time, to influence others.  I have a platform that He can use for His good purposes and perhaps even the good of others – today.  We all know of people who thought they could do it (whatever “it” is) tomorrow.  We have all procrastinated in such a way, and often to our regret. So often that better time either never comes, or really isn’t better or more appropriate after all.  And then, sadly, the window of opportunity – to do something great – closes.”  Tim Tebow, Quarterback Denver Broncos

Those are sobering words.  To be 24 years old and realize that God has given him this amazing strength and finesse on the field not just for his own glory and fame, but to lift up the name of Jesus – to among other things, make John 3:16 the most searched item on Google!  Wow! That’s what I call taking advantage of your platform.

As a news anchor and reporter for CBN, with programs airing in more than 200 countries, God has given me an audience – quite a large one. But I wasn’t sure I was making the most of it.

So, a couple of years ago, I felt impressed to pray,  “Lord, you’ve given me this great platform as a news anchor for the Christian Broadcasting Network, but if there is something more you want me to do to help advance your Kingdom, please open the door.”  About a week later, Regal Publishing called and offered me a chance to co-author a book about prayer.  Praying the News, Your Prayers are More Powerful than you Know, was released on Sept. 11, 2011. For the first time in 13 years at CBN, I was a guest on the 700 Club, instead of the one doing the interviews!  I was also interviewed on dozens of radio and tv stations throughout the country, including a guest appearance on the Daystar Network in Dallas where I got to talk about the power of prayer.

God answered my humble plea in a big way!  With a book!  and since I had a book, I thought I’d better get a website, so I started a website called Wendy Griffith Ministries, – which I’m still learning how to operate;but we live in an internet world so – Lord, help those of us who are technology challenged!

So, what about you….You have a platform too. Maybe you’re a CEO with great influence over hundreds of employees, or a leader in your church or school? Perhaps your stage is a bit smaller; maybe you’re a single mom with your main audience children who depend on you daily for comfort, wisdom and care.

I can tell you this.  Whatever your platform, be it 45 million people like Tebow had during his recent game or a household of 3 – it matters to God. Like Tebow said, we don’t know how long the stage we’ve been given will last. If you’re a Mom…you only have a few short years to mold and shape your children until they are on their own. If you’re like Tebow, you don’t know how long your time in the limelight will last.

I’ve wanted to be an anchorwoman since I was a young girl; I am so grateful for the stage God has given me but also certain that there is more I can do. The enemy will try to tell you that your ideas, your actions and especially your words don’t matter.  Nothing could be farther from the truth! You have a platform and a stage and no one can play the role that God has designed especially for you, except – you!

Take a moment right now to ask God….Is there something more you have for me to do? How can I take advantage of the platform you have given me to advance your Kingdom? How can I have a greater influence, open more eyes to the love of Jesus,  encourage more people and even rescue others? I can promise you, this is a prayer that God will answer. It’s a prayer that Jabez prayed as well.

“Oh Lord, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”  And God granted his request.” 1 Chronicles 4:10

If you prayed that prayer – watch out!  Be expectant, because God is about to open new doors for you and expand your platform and your territory in ways you could never dream or imagine.  Eph 3:20

Mighty Blessings!
Wendy