Artwork by Wendy Custer
Print available in shop.
Watching God at work in the life of someone else just gets me excited! I spent time today with my PIP – my partner in prayer. We have been meeting regularly by phone for a little over 5 months. Each week we text or call to share what God is doing in our lives and to submit our prayer requests to one another. When we are able, we have a long conversation to explain the details – and most important of all – to pray together. It has been the most powerful experience!
The level of trust and intimacy involved in praying for and with someone regularly allows for a ringside view of their journey. I am close enough to see the path she is on, but far away enough to have perspective. She is privy to my thoughts and emotions throughout my experience, but she can step back and see the bigger picture. We are able to encourage, offer wisdom, listen compassionately, and lift one another to God in the midst.
I love the Hebrews 10 passage that encourages us to encourage one another.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
As I considered those verses today after our prayer time, I was curious about the word “spur.” My only point of reference is the sharp part of a cowboy’s boot that he uses to gouge his horse into action, but that doesn’t sound friendly so I decided to look it up. I was a little surprised to read in the Greek lexicon that the word used actually means to jab someone so they must respond – ouch!
Perhaps I shouldn’t be so shocked at the this imagery being used about a topic that is so important. We tend to be an apathetic people. We become complacent easily and love and good deeds require effort and hard work. If we are not “jabbed” we are likely to fall into a routine of doing nothing and encouraging no one.
I am thankful that God has used my PIP to spur me on and that He allows me to encourage her. There is just nothing that strengthens us more than helping someone else walk through a difficult time.
Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
Because the encouragement my PIP and I offer each other is rooted in the truth of God’s Word, I know that every encouragement I offer to her can be turned back to me – and passed along to someone else! Mutual encouragement, powerful prayers, good fruit, blessings abound.
Want a PIP for yourself? Offer to be a prayer partner to someone else. You may see the need for support and encouragement in their life, but you will be amazed at the encouragement you will receive in return!
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The print featured above is available along with all of Wendy’s Prints, Cards, Journals, and Stickers at www.cornercopiafarmandstudio.com or by clicking on the shop on our home page.