by wendy | Mar 7, 2023 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Encouragement from the Word, Godly Relationships, Tips for Encouraging Others
Watch the Video! (Link added soon)
There is an account in
1 Samuel 30 where David was said to have been greatly distressed. I think those words are a bit of an understatement since he found himself in the situation where his own men were threatening to stone him to death, but the verse ends with these words,
“but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”What an amazing example for us when we find ourselves discouraged and distressed! Of course we know that it is God that truly does the work of encouragement through His power and His spirit, but what I think this passage means is that David knew how to seek and access and apply the encouragement of the LORD. Do we know how to do this?
Are we – like David – able to encourage ourselves in the LORD?
We must be able to Encourage ourselves before we can encourage others – and I love how Scripture gives us the example of David’s friend Jonathan doing this very thing. Let’s not miss that we know that David knew how to strengthen and encourage himself in the LORD – we saw that example above – but we all need encouragement at times. Even David had times when he needed a friend to remind him how to seek the LORD, how to access God’s strength, and how to apply the encouragement of the LORD to his own discouraged heart.
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Samuel 23 tells about David hiding from Saul. Though David never lost faith, he was struggling with fear and discouragement as we all do from time to time – especially in the face of difficulty or danger. Jonathan, the son of David’s enemy, risked life and the favor of his father to go to his friend in time of need. The passage says that
Jonathan, “went to David and helped him find strength in God.”If David needed encouragement from a friend – well then friend – so do you and I. And so do our friends!
This example of encouragement should always be our goal in encouraging others. We should not encourage people to find strength in themselves, their circumstances, other people, or in us – true encouragement is to find strength in God alone.
We find many other examples in Scripture of people strengthening and encouraging others in the LORD – lets look at 3 biblical ways we can do just that!
The first way we can strengthen and encourage others in the LORD is to:
1. Point Them to Jesus
And I love the way we see this in the most unlikely person – the woman at the well
In
John 4 Jesus has a divine encounter with a Samarian women. She is surprised that Jesus opens a conversation with her and he uses the opportunity to reveal Himself to her. We see the transformation that happens immediately in her life when she rushes back to town and can’t help but to tell everyone about her experience!
Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
John 4:28-30
Can you see what is happening here? This woman has found new life – and strength and hopen- from an encounter with Jesus! Her focus is no longer on her circumstances but on Jesus Himself! And now – she is pointing others to him! Come see!
God is so good to show us the result of her enthusiasm:
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
John 4:39-42
This unlikely evangelist – just a woman who experienced the power of God in her life through meeting Jesus herself – shared that news with others – and they went to meet him and came to know Him themselves!
When we point to Jesus – when we share with others the hope and strength and encouragement we have received from Him – they are invited to come and experience the same for themselves!
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Is there someone in your life today who might need to hear about how God has comforted you?
Is your story pointing to Jesus?
The people the Samaritan Women pointed to Jesus were able to go to Him themselves – but there are times when a person can’t seem to get there on their own. Many things can prevent a person from going to Jesus to seek His comfort – depression, anger, bitterness, to name a few – but if they are willing, we can
2. Carry them to Jesus
When I hear the story of the man on the mat in
Luke 5, it reminds me of a time that I was “paralyzed” with depression. It was a very difficult time in my life – I wasn’t without faith, but I was struggling to seek, access, and apply the encouragement of the LORD for myself. I had godly friends at that time that carried me – through their comfort and encouragement – to the feet of Jesus. In their company, I found the encouragement I needed to heal.
I am struck by the phrase that Jesus offers when this group goes to extreme lengths to get their friend to Him.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 5:20
Did you hear that? Jesus saw “their” faith! Friend – your faith cannot save someone else – but your faith might be just what someone else needs to get them to the feet of Jesus – and once they are there – their own faith – and the compassion of their LORD will do the rest of the work.
Can you think of someone who knows the LORD but is struggling to see Him past their circumstances? How can you carry a corner of their mat – how can you get them to the feet of Jesus?
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
We can only carry each other’s burdens as far as to the feet of Jesus.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
We can point to Jesus with our own changed lives, we can carry to Jesus those who believe but cannot get themselves to Him, but there are also times when we are called to:
3. Walk With Them to Jesus
Acts 8 gives us the story of Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
Philip was in the midst of doing the work God had given him to do. This is an important detail.
When we are obedient to the calling God has given us – He puts us where we need to be to walk alongside those who need His encouragement.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
1 Peter 3:15
There are 2 important points here:
1. Revere Christ as Lord – in your heart – encourage and strengthen yourself in the LORD – know Him, follow Him – Look to Him.
2. Be prepared – know how you seek, access, and apply the encouragement of the LORD and be ready to help others do so
Philip was ready.
As Philip was doing the work God had given him to do – Scripture tells us that the Spirit led him to the chariot of this Eunuch. And as he obeyed he heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. So he struck up a conversation about what the eunuch was reading. He met the man where he was and was able to participate in the work God was already doing! The man invited Philip to travel with him and explain what he was reading. That very day the Eunuch accepted Jesus and was baptized!
How exciting to be used in that way! We too can be used like that – we can walk alongside those that are seeking the LORD and help to guide them to Him.
Friends, these 3 ways of strengthening and encouraging others in the LORD – Point to Jesus, Carry them to Jesus, Walk with them to Jesus – each of them are nothing without Him.
We cannot do the work of encouragement in our own strength!
In 1 Corinthians Paul explained some of the ways we can be used –
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
1 Corinthians 3:6-9
I might be the one planting the seed – pointing someone to Jesus,
or perhaps I will get to water the seed – carrying them to Jesus or walking alongside them to Jesus,
But only God makes it grow – true encouragement and strength comes from the LORD!
If we are focused on Him and willing to be used – oh friend! Prepare to be amazed at what He will do!
by wendy | Nov 11, 2021 | Encouragement, Encouragement from the Word, Godly Relationships, Lifestyle Encouragement, Tips for Encouraging Others
I have begun writing again! I am excited to feel the words and ideas bubbling up and spilling onto the page after a long drought of silence. One of the projects I started years ago is a book about encouraging others daily. God has been giving me opportunities to live these examples – whether I am the encourager or the recipient of the encouragement. I have been organizing these ideas into categories such as Hospitality, Gifts, the Encouragement of Words, etc. Here is a post about the Encouragement of Hospitality – with a twist!
Story-telling
This Thanksgiving I had the amazing privilege of listening to the stories of several recovering addicts. The program my son is attending for his own recovery hosted the families for the Holiday. Some families came, but many of the men were without family and they seemed grateful for the fellowship. I moved around the ranch asking each person I met to share how they came to be where they were. It was a unique opportunity to discover the humanity and humility of those who had hit rock bottom. Most stories had a similar element – they longed to be right with their families again. They were in various stages of their recovery – one there less than a week, several at the half-way mark of six months, one just returned after 30 years, and one graduating and leaving that day! A few were still harboring regret and bitterness, some full of peace, most excited and ready to move on. I listened – and promised to pray – but mostly just listened. Every time they tell their stories, they share how God has saved them from a life of destruction. They tell of their freedom and the hope they have for their future. Every story told is speaking life and truth into their own hearts and it is good for them to tell it! They may have hosted us, but I invited them to tell their stories.
Sometimes hospitality is simply inviting someone into your presence, even if it occurs in their space. Go to a soup kitchen, nursing home, women’s shelter, prison, school, or anywhere that there are people who cannot come to you. Enter their presence but invite them into yours. Don’t just visit – interact, ask questions, and listen! Pray with people, share your own story, and care. Telling their story may be the very thing that gives them the courage to go on one more day!
by wendy | Nov 11, 2021 | Encouragement, Encouragement from the Word, Godly Relationships, Lifestyle Encouragement, Tips for Encouraging Others
A friend invited me to come to her house to help her with a painting the other day. Her table looked similar to mine – paints, brushes, projects in a variety stages – but it was exciting to me to walk into her “studio”! We painted a little together and enjoyed some fellowship at the same time. I left refreshed and inspired. Do you share a hobby or interest with other women? Invite them to join you in your space to create together. A fresh atmosphere coupled with the company will be an exciting change to their regular routine
by wendy | Nov 11, 2021 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Encouragement from the Word, Godly Relationships, Hospitality
My friend Kate and I had a coffee date date with Agnes yesterday and it reminded me of the story I had previously written. I hope it brings you inspiration today!
Excerpt from A Cup of Encouragement – A Refill of Inspiration
The See-Through House
I had it in mind to visit with my neighbor, Agnes, after dropping the kids off at school this morning. As I passed her house, I glanced over to see if she was home. If her front door was open it would be a sign that visitors were welcome at this time. Sure enough, I was able to see through the glass of her storm door, right into her living room. As I continued past the house though, the living room was not all I could see! Agnes also had the back door open and I had a view of the beautiful morning sky behind her house. The clear shot through both of her doors was the perfect frame for the spectacular sight that I would have otherwise missed!
I did go back and visit with Agnes later, and I really enjoyed the time I had to chat with her. Her home is warm and welcoming and so full of light. We chatted about memories and present struggles, and through it all was woven our experiences of God’s grace and mercy. Though there is nothing that can take the place of fellowship with another believer, I couldn’t take my mind off of the view I had seen through Agnes’ “see-through” house. The more I thought about that view, the more I realized that I want my life to be “see-through” as well.
Like my neighbor’s home, I would like my life to have an open front door – a sign that people are always welcome. I want to be available and approachable at all times. Often though, I close the door, hiding my mess, seeking privacy, and masking my loneliness with busyness. It is not that I don’t want the company of others, but instead, I am sometimes afraid of what they might think if I let them inside. Unfortunately, what I often neglect to understand is that it is not what my life looks like that is important to others, as much as the encouragement that I have to offer when they come in.
Also like Agnes, I would like to remember to leave the back door open as well. While an open front door symbolizes a welcome sign to all who pass by, it is the light that shines through me that enables them to see me before they come in. Though the light of Christ is open and wide for all to see, many miss it unless it is framed by an ordinary life. When others can see Christ shining through me, illuminating my real and tangible characteristics, His beauty comes into focus. When I invite others in, but keep closed the door that lets in the light, they get but a faded glimpse of who I really am.
A home bathed in light is beautiful no matter what the contents. A home full of warmth is welcoming no matter its splendor. Leave the front door of your life open, throw open the back door to let in the light. When others see through your life and capture the awesomeness of God, you will be amazed at the company that will stop by!
No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer.
It’s put on a lamp stand so those entering the room
have light to see where they’re going.
Keep your life as well-lighted as your best-lighted room.
Luke 11:33,36 (The Message)
by wendy | Nov 11, 2021 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Encouragement from the Word, Godly Relationships, Lifestyle Encouragement
We stopped by Walmart on the way home from church today and it was teeming with people! Thankfully, we weren’t in a hurry because we had the chance to visit with several of our friends and neighbors. Shortly after grabbing the first few items on our list I bumped into Ms. Sally from our church. “I just cannot find the crackers,” she mused.
“They are on the aisle labeled snacks,” I responded – and then just to make sure, I walked there with her. As soon as we rounded aisle 7, I could clearly see there were no crackers. I was standing there confused when another friend, Cheryl, walked by. “Where did the crackers go?” I inquired. “I was sure they were here.”
“They have been moved to the back where the drinks are,” she informed us. Ms. Sally wheeled off in search of her crackers. After a few moments she returned to report that she had found them.
Meanwhile, we stood and chatted with Cheryl and her husband. It was a great conversation, animated with sharing of family news and concerns for those in our community. I stood talking with my arms full of bread and soup and spaghetti sauce. In the midst of the conversation, a man excused himself as he interrupted. “Where did you find the bread?” he asked. He gestured to his family following him, “we are not from here and we don’t know where to find the bread.”
I smiled and gave directions, pointing with my free hand in the direction of the bread aisle. As I often do, (maybe it comes from years of teaching distracted teens) I repeated the directions to be sure I was clear. He and his wife expressed their gratitude and headed off to find the bread.
We continued in conversation, but after only a few moments, a former student, Eric, tapped me on the shoulder. “Since you are giving out directions,” he quipped, “can you help me find this?” He held out his cell phone to show me a photo of chicken bouillon.
“That is on the soup aisle,” I explained. I glanced at his expression and then lead him down the soup aisle. “Here is what you’re looking for,” I smiled as I handed him the jar. Returning back to my group I joked, “I guess I am the traffic director today!” Inside I thought, “hmmm – we have a theme!”
All around us people are looking for direction. I feel so blessed when I can point someone the right way. Whether it is where to find the bread, how to deal with their child’s addiction, or where to look in the Bible for words of hope, giving direction is one of the most honorable jobs. It implies that someone views me as approachable and available, they recognize my wisdom or knowledge, and they trust me to help them get there.
If we want to help with those searching for the right way, we must be approachable and available. Two of my encounters today came while I was in the midst of conversation. It wasn’t that I was not busy, but I had a smile on my face and I made eye contact with people as they walked by. If I wear an expression that says, “Don’t bother me!” then likely people won’t. I like to be interrupted – I want to be asked – I love to engage with people. I didn’t stand in the middle of the store with a sign that said, “Ask me!” But then again, I really did!
We must first know how to get there ourselves if we want to direct others. If we don’t know the way, we must simply ask someone who does. I don’t always know the answer, but I can usually find someone who knows. Part of being in the position to help is being willing to admit that I don’t have all of the answers! I knew where the crackers used to be, but it wasn’t hard to locate someone who was more familiar with the changes. Ms. Sally might not have asked Cheryl because she didn’t know her. I was simply the connector. Wisdom and knowledge is helpful, but true wisdom has as much of a desire to find the truth as it does to know the truth!
Finally, sometimes giving direction is not enough. Often, we need to walk along with someone until they reach their destination. People don’t always recognize what they need until it is taken from the shelf and placed in their hand. Something familiar and commonplace to me can seem foreign and out of reach for another. When asked, I must be willing to point the way and then lead the way.
I didn’t solve the problems of the world today, but the crackers, the bread, and bouillon were all found. I left Walmart with the items I came for and a sense of purpose. I am a traffic director – can I help you find your way?
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
by wendy | Apr 12, 2021 | By Chance, Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Godly Relationships
Chance and Letti
My son’s dog, Chance, has an affinity for running away. I truly don’t think he wants to actually leave his people, he just seems to enjoy his freedom. Unfortunately, Chance doesn’t understand the dangers that come along with being separated from those that care for him.
Whenever Chance takes off on one of his adventures, my son tries to catch him by calling and following and coaxing to no avail. Chance treats the whole ordeal like a game and continues to run further away – at times wandering into the road several miles from home. After the last overnight excursion, my son decided to try a new approach. He asked his friend to bring his dog, Letti – Chance’s best dog friend – by to see if he might respond to her. When Chance saw Letti, he immmediately came to her and happily followed her into the house. Letti served as the encourager and ambassador, leading Chance back to the safe place of his loving master’s arms.
When I heard the story of how Letti “rescued” Chance, it immediately reminded me that we have the opportunity to be a Letti to so many people. Many run from God, not because they don’t believe or don’t want to be in relationship with Him, but simply because they don’t understand His love and they desire freedom. They don’t realize the dangers of being separated from Him.
People are often drawn back into relationship with the Lord through relationship with other people. God uses us to demonstrate His love and kindness to them so that they will follow us into the safe place of our loving master’s arms. When we develop a relationship with those that are not a part of the church or not in relationship with Jesus, we invite them to experience Him as we do. What a wonderful privilege to have that kind of influence that can help to save a person from being lost.
We can choose how we want to be involved in the lives of a runner like Chance. We can be apathetic – turn a blind eye and let him make his own choices, we can be tolerant – celebrate his free spirit and applaud his courage to go out on his own, or we can be compassionate – aware that his choices could result in permanent separation from his master and even death. Let us choose to be like Letti – standing beside our master and welcoming them to come back home!
My dear brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20
