One Obedient Man - Happy Birthday, Tom!

In honor of longtime Influencers leader and dear friend Tom Seay'S 85th birthday, we're honored to share the incredible fruit that can come from one obedient man.

One Obedient Man

I once met a man, who was quite renown.  He’d been a big wheel in his Bentonville town.

I learned of his life and his path to success.  Someone said he had money, but he could care less.

He had humble beginnings in the town of Hot Springs.  But he was smart and determined and would do anything.

He went off to college to find his place in the world.  And slowly God’s plan was being unfurled.

It took him to a nation far and unknown.  To serve Uncle Sam and defend his dear home.

Boy became man in the blink of an eye.  He had to be tough or else he might die.

His leadership forged as he rose up the ranks.  Steely to lead these men who drove tanks.

He made his way home and hatched a new plan.  Back to school and a job, work as hard as you can.

Fate took him to Sam and a job at Walmart.  Though he thought this was only a place he would start.

But with grit and endurance, and a refusal to yield.  His head rose above the rest of the field.

In a short length of time, he climbed to the top.  He built many stores with no intentions to stop.

He was a man on a mission, a productive machine.  He commanded his troops like a battleground scene.

One day he retired to enjoy his spoils.  He’d conquered this life, with its temptations and toils.

He’d done everything that one man can do.  So it was time to sit back and enjoy the view.

But a nagging sharp thorn challenged him still.  Why was he feeling not fully fulfilled?

God used an attorney to fill in the gap.  He said that the Bible was the real life roadmap.

The man was not sure, but he started to read.  He realized Jesus is the One that men need.

A new journey began, a new lease on life.  Much to the surprise of his friends and his wife.

He was hungry to learn and ready to change.  He read a book called The Journey he, at first, thought was strange.

But he learned about prayer and abiding in Christ.  God stole his heart like a perfect bank heist.

All of these years leading thousands of men.  And building thousands of stores was a means to an end.

But making disciples of Christ was his real destiny.  He started giving his time to set captives free.

News of his heart change spread far and wide.  It led many others to want to abide.

He became a chaplain of sorts in his home stomping grounds.  He was ready to witness to all that he found.

He helped his small ministry open their eyes.  To a much bigger view than they first realized.

With a commitment to prayer and a faith ever bold.  A plan for the Nations began to unfold.

To make disciples of Christ in every nation and tongue.  No matter how near or extremely far-flung.

Now a movie is coming as a way to reach more.  God only knows the blessings in store.

One obedient man is a tool God can use.  One who follows His lead and takes all His cues.

My friend is an example of man just like this.  He joyfully serves and it brings him such bliss.

He’s got a big birthday, he turns eighty-five.  I wanted to bless him before it arrives.

Tom, your life has been blessed, and He’s not finished yet.  Keep looking to Jesus, upon His face your eyes set.

Thank you for answering God’s sacred call.  For forsaking yourself and giving your all.

You’ve blessed so, so many, and I must include me.  Without you and your faith, I’m not sure where I’d be.

Happy Birthday my brother, it’s been a wild ride.  But look at the fruit of one who abides.