3 And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 4 So the people of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and they served the Lord only. 8 And the people of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” 9 So Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. And Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. 1 Samuel 7:3-4, 8-9

It is worth noting that Samuel was a man who was listened to among the people and before God. He had an undeniable influence that displayed itself through the responses of others. Israel was far from God when Samuel shared difficult words, yet the people did not hesitate to do what he prescribed. When Samuel spoke to God on Israel's behalf, God answered him. Building this kind of spectacular influence comes from unspectacular preparation.

As men, we prepare to be heard or ignored by others. Samuel demonstrated trustworthy character over time as God's prophet. The people knew that he had their best interest in mind. He also spent regular time in a relationship with Israel and God before this moment. Developing trust requires being with others and living out integrity. Influence is not built overnight. Start being a trustworthy man by doing what you say you'll do and relating to those around you.

DO THIS TODAY: Develop influence through integrity and relationship.