Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Next Previous Today
The Power of Encouragement
"But encourage one another daily . . ." (Hebrews 3:13).
Several days ago, God brought someone that I know to mind. And I am trying, when God does that, not only to think about them or even better, to pray for them at that moment, but to take that one more step and actually do something to encourage them and to let them know that God and I were thinking about them. So I picked up the phone and called them. They weren't home at the time so I left a message and then I sent them an email just to make sure that they got the message. A simple message: God brought you to mind today and I just wanted to call and encourage you and see how you were getting along. I'm praying for you too!
In the grand scheme of things, this simple interchange may not seem like much. In God's scheme of things, it is always much more than we think. And yesterday, this person called back to say thank you for the encouragement and now, to encourage me! A little later on, I also received an email from my friend. And you know what? Now, I was encouraged! I was energized to go on, knowing that I made a difference to someone else and that they took the time to think and pray about and for me too. Simple things, really, that go a long way. I can press on more valiantly because I am not alone! God not only loves me and gives me hope, he reminds his people to do the same! What a great God we serve and how wonderful to be part of a family that he creates!
In Joshua 1:6 we are told to "be strong and courageous," and then a verse later, to "be strong and very courageous." "Have I not commanded you," God says in Joshua 1:9, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Apparently God thinks that it is pretty important that we be encouraged. God has given us his abiding presence and his indwelling Holy Spirit and his word to encourage — to put courage into — us in our faith walk. He wants us to be en-couraged and not dis-couraged! And he will do whatever is needed to help us in this.
That is why he has given us brothers and sisters in the faith. And at times he will move others to come alongside and give us the courage we need or at least show us where to find it. And so, we are told to "encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Later in the book of Hebrews, we read, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds . . . let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).
I want to encourage you to consider being that special encouraging someone for someone else that you know today. Or maybe even for someone that you just randomly meet. Ask God for someone that he would like to touch through you today. And then do something to encourage them — a phone call, an email, a card, simply say something nice, give them a gift, bless them in some way. They will be blessed and probably, so will you! And who knows, you might just enjoy it so much that you actually consider making it a daily habit!
"But encourage one another daily . . ." (Hebrews 3:13).
Next Previous Today | 
