Encouragement
I was recently asked to speak on encouragement and opened up the Bible, looking for an example. I have rarely found it so hard to choose a passage, not because encouragement was hard to find but because I was overwhelmed by choice.
Paul describes God as “the God who gives perseverance and encouragement” (Romans 15.5). If today you feel discouraged in ANY scenario in your life, God wants to encourage you.
I finally landed with the story of Gideon. When we are introduced to him, he is direly in need of encouragement. The Midianites raiders had so impoverished the Israelites that they were in a desperate state. Desperate enough to cry out to God for help.
As I look at the church nationally, I think we have allowed raiders too much ground. Our walls are broken down, we have been impoverished and it is time to cry to God for in-courage-ment. We need fresh courage in us for the challenges ahead.
God heard his people’s cry. He always does. He sends a messenger to Gideon who said, “THE LORD IS WITH YOU, MIGHTY WARRIOR!” Gideon didn’t like a mighty warrior – he was hiding away in the equivalent of a cellar. But everything changed when God spoke. God’s encouragement is more than a pat on the back. It’s not just the power of positive thinking. It’s not like me coming to you and saying, “You’re brilliant at tennis, you can beat Alcaraz next year at Wimbledon” while inside you know that you wouldn’t win a point.
God’s Word created the universe. What God speaks comes into being. When God says over you that you are a mighty warrior, you will win the battles ahead. When God says that he is with you, there is nothing to fear.
But I am encouraged that Gideon took a while to trust God’s word because I am slow too. Gideon asks, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us?” God doesn’t tell him off for doubting. He keeps on encouraging him,” I am with you”.
My main problem is that I give too much airtime to other voices. As we enter this holiday period, it is a brilliant opportunity to open our ears to the encouragement that God wants to give to us. Encouragement is the nectar that makes the honey that sweetens our lives. But like the bee we need to look for the flowers and linger there. We need to eagerly drink it in.
And then share that encouragement with each other! Paul goes on – “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had”. How we need this! I. I wonder if Alcaraz would have persevered past his first disastrous set to go on and win Wimbledon if he hadn’t internalised the encouragement of his coach.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had!
As I finish, I want to share three things of many that have encouraged me over the last month as they are only possible because of all of you who support the work of the Trust – YOU are my encouragement!
The first was the HUGE joy of leading someone to give their life to Jesus last week. It has been wonderful to see people come to faith this year and absolutely nothing beats it!
Secondly, I had the encouragement of hearing that the Promise of Blessing books that the Trust gave to the prison work are a source of comfort for the prisoners and we have been asked to send more. I go back to speak again at a nearby women’s prison on August 6.
Thirdly, I have just finished the latest book on grieving with hope. It will be a while until it is published but I wanted to thank you because it is only through the support of the Trust. I am deeply grateful to my Trustees who continue to cheer me on. As we wind up an academic year, God has been so very kind to us.
With my love and thanks,
Kate
