This idea of encouragement has been floating around in my mind and heart for several weeks. God keeps bringing it back up in a variety of ways so I'm going to get it down in writing and hope it will challenge and encourage you as well. There were several things going on at the same time about 6 weeks ago when God started bringing this to my mind. At that time financial storms were nearing land fall, there was a gas crisis in full bloom and people around me had their own personal crisis looming. I remember thinking that even many of the Christians around me were starting to wring their hands. We serve a great God and through the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, we are the ones who should point them to the One Who is the answer for the coming storms. People are looking for hope and answers and we need to be a source of encouragement.
One of the first verses that God brought to my attention was Hebrews 10:24. "Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds." Actually this was one of the major motivations to start this blog. I hope it will be a source of encouragement for those who stop by to read.
I've been reading through 1 Thessalonians lately and in chapter 3, the authors Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, tell the folks in Thessalonica they were encouraged and strengthened when they heard of their faith and love. They were comforted by news of their faith. Amazingly the authors had been enduring much affliction and it was news of the faith of other believers that encouraged them.
Let me encourage you to share your faith with others. When your brothers or sisters are weak or tempted to give up, it is encouraging to hear "faith" stories. Share the stories of what God is doing in your life that remind others He is still at work and has not forgotten his people. 1 Peter 3:15 says, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Sunday night I attended a Mark Harris concert and there is a line in one of his new songs that says "Things that are out of our hand are still under His feet." If you don't have a faith story to tell, share that lyric. God is Sovereign and that is good news!
2014 Reading Recap
10 years ago
3 comments:
Wow, Cindy, you have no idea how timely this post is! Tyler has been really sick. He was in the hospital the last week of Sept with acute pyelnephritis, which is a life-threatening renal illness. His temp bounced between 104 and 105.5 for 3 days. I wouldn't have believed it had I not seen it. He had septicemia (blood poisoning) from the infected kidney and was listed as "critical." It was a nightmare. He is recovering, but it is a slow go. He's lost from the mid 170's down to 149 in only 3 weeks and is very weak. His body consumed an exorbitant amount of calories during the illness, and he just can't get his appetite back. I've needed a "refreshment" of my spirit and your words have provided that. I'm about to call and your thoughts with Tyler. Thank you, my sweet friend.
Hey Marti,
It is great to hear from you. I'm sorry to hear about Tyler and will certainly pray for his healing and recovery. Glad what God shared with me was encouraging to you!
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