“I know who you are.”

Over lunch today, I was reminded of a friend in China who goes by the name of James. When I met James, he walked up to me and proclaimed very quietly, "I know who you are." I replied with curiosity, "You do?" He shook his head with a grin and said, "Yes. I know who you are… brother" as he poked his finger in my chest. James then let me in on a little secret, "I have been watching you. I've been watching you all along [for a month], and you are such an encouragement to me. You don't know what your life means to me, how much you give me hope. I follow Jesus too!" He could barely contain his excitement as our conversation continued. I began to tear up as a rush of the Father's love washed over me and James spoke to me of who I am, of how I lived out my relationship with Jesus and the impact it had on Him. It tore me up, as this was the last thing I had expected to hear that day.

The last I heard of James, he was openly proclaiming the love of Jesus all over China – openly living out the Gospel in the streets, homes, and everywhere in between. Chinese authorities have driven him out of cities, and he has been confined to his own province because "he is a threat to the rest of China". He is eagerly chasing the Spirit of God to act and start a blazing fire in his own country and is anxious for his next move driven by the Lord. He can not be contained.

I say all of that just to say this – Your life has impact on others whether you believe it or not. People know who you are. The way you live writes it on your chest. You may never know the impact you have – but you have one. You may bring destruction. You may give hope. Either way, you are a part of the lives of those surrounding you. Let your surroundings be a product of you – Jesus in you, and may you spark others to being a threat for Jesus and hope for the world.