Encourage One Another

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Recently I was talking to a guy who had been through the same type of surgery I went through last year. We commiserated upon what we had gone through and even though I had just met him, it soon felt like I was talking with an old friend instead of a recent acquaintance.

Suffering and hardship brings us closer together. It reminds us of just how vulnerable and human we all are.  Our suffering and trials may be different, but the fact that we all endure hardship on this earth reminds us that rich or poor, famous or infamous, we are all on the same level with the humility that suffering brings.

Whenever we hear about someone suffering, especially if it is similar to our own experience, we feel empathy and a closeness to that fellow human being.  We can also, especially as Christians, offer them the encouragement that they do not have to endure such hardships without help. God is there and will aid us in whatever troubling situation we find ourselves in.

Do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not be afraid, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, I will also help you,

I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

I’ve often said that I have no idea how anyone can go through life with its many trials and troubles without God.  Life is often tough enough with God at your side, yet it can be impossible facing hardship on your own.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19

Friends, life is going to throw some horrible things at you. At times we face things that seem beyond enduring. But no matter what comes our way, if we will trust in Jesus to see us through it, we will find the help and strength we need. Encourage one another with this truth.

Prayer: Dear Lord, We face hardships of many kinds. Too often we feel overwhelmed. But with Your help, we will not only survive our afflictions but come out stronger and wiser through it all. Thank You Lord. Amen.

God's Encouragement

  

You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; 

you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, Psalm 10:17 

We all have difficult times and find ourselves in need of encouragement. Sometimes God will send someone our way with just the right words when we need them. At other times we will open our Bible and find a verse or verses that speak right into our hearts bringing us encouragement. Or we may have some sign, large or small, that lifts our spirits and reminds us of the goodness of God like the example below that I shared with a prayer group recently. 

The Dark-Eyed Junco is my favorite little bird. It doesn't have the brightest colors and is a subtle little bird who usually feeds on the ground. A winter visitor, its slate gray top half is contrasted by his lower white half.  

About a month ago I had my garage door open, and I entered the house side door through the garage. A Dark-Eyed Junco entered right behind me. I finally cornered him against a window using a towel. I carefully got the little bird and held him in my hand before it got out of the open front door. 

Recently, I was having a very rough time with a health issue. I looked out of my front door window and on my doorstep was a Dark-Eyed Junco sitting there. It was a bit of encouragement from God right when I needed it. 

Has God ever sent you an encouraging sign, a person with the right word at the right time? God's goodness is revealed in a myriad of ways. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, how often we need encouragement. Thank You for sending it to us at just the right time. Amen.