An Encouraging Word…

We all need them, don’t we, encouraging words! I wonder how many people have led fulfilled lives without them. I suspect none. I wonder how many people have gone on to affect the lives of many others for good without encouragement. I wonder how many people have gone on to greatness without the encouragement to not give up, to stay the course. Again, I suspect none.

In pondering this, a scene passed before me in my mind. It was of people who had accomplished great things coming before God to receive their reward. Each person was not alone. Some had many people with them. Some had one or two. When the time came to ‘enter the gates’ it was the people accompanying the seemingly more important person that entered the gates first; the person who had accomplished much came behind. While yet on earth it was the person who had accomplished much who was seen, talked about and even praised. Unseen were these other ones. Who are these unseen? Yes, you may have guessed, these are the ones who came alongside, who encouraged and may have given wise advice so that the person did not give up but stayed the course to complete the work that was required. You see the work could not have been completed without the encouragement given by these precious unseen. Their reward was very great. (This is an analogy only. We are saved by grace only, not of works)

As Christians we know that any good work we are in the process of carrying out comes with opposition. Often much opposition, which can lead to great discouragement, is thrown at the person before the ‘good work’ even gets started. The battle is often fought in the mind. This is why encouragement is so powerful.

Are you an encourager? It doesn’t take much, you know. A friendly smile sometimes will do.

Have you been praying for someone lately? Why not let that person know. Send them a little note. The words you say may sometimes seem insignificant to you, but have a far-reaching effect on the recipient.

Maybe someone needs a visit, just so you can listen to them pour out their heart – then offer to pray for them (and do it, of course).

Maybe God has given you a word for someone. Give the word – don’t hold on to it. Again it may seem so simple and insignificant to you, but may be life changing to the one who receives it.

We will not always be aware that we have been used of God to encourage someone. Don’t let that discourage you from offering encouragement to others by words or deeds any time the occasion rises.  

I believe all of us face times in our lives when we need to know that we are not alone, that someone has been thinking about us, has lifted a prayer for us. I have recently been on the receiving end of desperately needed encouragement. I am so grateful for the dear people God put on my path recently who ministered life to me. I was awed and amazed by a few words that a friend sent to me just today. It had a profound effect on me. It is also what led me to ponder on the need for encouragement and to share my thoughts with you dear reader. God knows we all have this need, and He provides it wonderfully!

All the glory goes to God doesn’t it, for all of our accomplishments! We cannot take credit for ourselves. God is the One who provides the way and the means, and the encouragement along the way to get things done.

2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 (Amplified Bible)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.

Maybe you are the one who needs encouragement right now. Don’t throw in the towel yet my friend. God sees you. You are not hidden from Him. He is working on your behalf. Lean on Him. He will not fail you!!! God is faithful, always and forever good!!!