We’re getting down to the end of the season. The dog days of summer are on the wane. Labor Day is on the horizon. Schools are starting to make plans for opening day. Where do you stand looking at the end of another season? Are you in need of some encouraging words? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Have you ever felt horrible after a bad day? When you got home, did someone put their arms around you and gave you some words of encouragement? Did it help to brighten your day that someone else showed that they cared? Did it help you move on and face the next day?
There are many stories about the encouraging words people have shared with others and the difference they can make. Rev. Dan has been by my side since I joined Racing with Jesus Ministries in 2002 and he has been an encouragement to me. He has been there to lift me up when the road gets long and difficult. I am thankful to have him alongside. He has been an example of this passage from God’s Word.
Philippians 2:1-2; NLT; Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
I want to encourage you to encourage others. When you see someone down, put your arm around them and pray. Lift them up. You would be surprised how it can change someone’s life. You’d also be surprised at what God can do. Encouraging words can make all the difference. Remember the passage I shared from 2 Kings 6;
2 Kings 6:16-17; NLT; “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.
Do not be afraid is one of the most encouraging phrases in God’s Word. It is used by God himself, Jesus, Angels, Prophets, and many others. God’s Word uses it 365 times, one for each day of the year. Encouraging others, walking alongside and holding each other up, helping someone see differently are the things we should be about as Christians.
When someone encourages us, it causes us to change our focus, look at things differently. We see things we could not see before. We see what God has for us, hope. We are here to hold each other up, to support one another, to provide encouraging words. Life is not meant to be lived alone, it is meant to be shared. Lift someone up today!
Blessings,
Pastor Don