Ephesians 6:10-11
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Have you ever needed a little extra push to get something done? I think we all have. Remember, the little engine that could, he told himself 'I think I can' while others told him 'to believe its true then there's nothing you can't do' and that 'winners never quit'. Encouragement is a basic need in our lives. Life can be so discouraging at times, so much so that we have to seek out our own encouragement. The Lord gave us the bible to not only guide us but to encourage us. Matthew 6:33-34 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Do you believe the Lord hears and knows your troubles? Psalm 10:17-18 "You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed" Prayer works, it's just not always on our timetable. Our prayers are heard even when they go unanswered and sometimes no answer is the best answer. Our cries to the Lord can motivate us to seek Him more, than we do when things are going as we'd like in our lives.
Romans 15: 4-6 "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Proverbs 21:21 "Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor." This verse is one that pushes us forward on the right path. When we do the right thing and act with love with others, then it will bring you great reward. We have to go after or pursue being Christ-like in all our ways and then our lives will be more peaceful and prosperous. Hebrews 12: 14 " Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
We all need encouragement to make the most out of our lives and to avoid the snare of sin, that wants to entrap us. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." We can encourage each other: with a kind word, by our example, with an out-stretched arm, with a listening ear, with our resources, or by just sharing our faith.
As for myself, I have been encouraged by many friends in different ways along my own journey.
When I was 14 after my back surgery, I wanted to stay in bed and not move. My aides, Missy and Tania, encouraged me with tough love to walk around the dining room and kitchen to make a training circle. They knew that despite the pain and my complaints that this was the best path of treatment for me. As it is with God, He helps us handle our trials, despite our complaints, knowing it will make us better and more like Him.
Just yesterday, my church friends organized an Easter parade that went thru my driveway at home. They knew that my recent days had been full of discouragement, so they banded together to show me that they were here for me and on my side. As it is with God, He is always with me and will never forsake me.
