The Need For Encouragement
Do you see the eyes of the children in the above picture? They are so young and impressionable aren't they? Their little lives are full of physical, spiritual, social, intellectual, and emotional needs. One significant need that children and even adults have is encouragement. Why? Our culture is caked with the carnality of criticism and the vice of a vicious spirit. How can you and I live above the fray of such a negative atmosphere? What are some ingredients that will pull our children (and adults) out of the pits and into the game of life? And, why are some people constantly battered with being belittled, while others soar like an eagle? If you look at a person's past, you might find one key ingredient - those who struggled in life lacked encouragement - those who were strong in life received encouragement. Mark it down - the people who are often productive in life ... some time ... somewhere ... somebody encouraged them.
A Personal Story of Encouragement
When I was at college in Iowa, I had to read a speech for a communications class. I was a nervous wreck. I always hated speaking in front of people. The time came for me to speak. My assignment (my preference) was simply to read chapter one of the book of Job. How boring! A class of college students having to listen to a tall man talk in a monotone voice. What a drag! I read it and frankly I'm surprised people didn't fall asleep - maybe some did. I was just glad it was over. When the time came to get our assignments, I had zero expectations of a good grade. When I received my grade, I was shocked. I was amazed. As I gawked at the comments my professor wrote, I had feelings of hope I had never felt before with my speaking abilities. I only knew this teacher for a few weeks. There was nothing I did to attract his attention. Apparently, as I read that chapter in Job, he saw something. He listened to my voice. He heard me speak (in a boring tone) and he saw something-he heard something. His comments said I should consider radio as a career. He said I had a great speaking voice. I was quietly excited and at the same time scared. What would I do with this new information? To this day, I cannot remember the professors name, but he had one of the biggest impacts on my life. I wish I could remember so I could thank him. Because of his words, I chose the field of communications (Sportscasting/radio). Eventually, I ended up studying the ultimate in communication (from my perspective); preaching and writing God's Word. Why did my life unfold this way? For what reason? Other than the sovereignty of God (the main reason), God chose to use a professor to speak ENCOURAGING comments that altered the trajectory of my life.
Be encouraged in Him
Author Erma Bombeck entitled a book, "If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?" Ever been in the pits? I have. Instead of doing great things for God, we sometimes flounder. How can we pull ourselves out of the doldrums of discouragement? The answer is to be encouraged in Christ. Reflect on the undeserved grace He's showered upon you. He loves you ... died for you, and nothing can separate you from His love. He's working all things together for good ... even your failures. Absorb this into your soul because you can't give away what you don't possess. You will have the grace to encourage others when your soul has been showered with His grace.
Encourage someone
When you are preloaded with divine encouragement, it provides the backbone of a reassuring mindset. Remember, no matter how easy it is to be critical, you can learn to be a better encourager. How encouraging! We can learn to be a more effective encourager and here are two ways to refresh others. One way is simply to purpose in your heart to encourage others. One reason we don't encourage is that we are too preoccupied with ourselves and our turf. To encourage someone would mean to lift them up - that might ultimately infringe on your world that always wants YOU to be the center of the universe. Instead of being preoccupied with ourselves, purpose in your heart to encourage others. Another way to be an effective encourager is by practicing daily encouragement. God calls you and me in the inspiring verse of Hebrews 3:13, to "... encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today". My friend, practice encouraging someone ... daily. Children and adults are starving for encouragement because they've been malnourished by the silence of the world who refuses to encourage. It's easy to spout discouraging words and make people feel they've been slugged in the stomach. But Christ calls us to encourage ... often. Since He's caused us to experience the infinite waterfall of His grace, let's shower others with the grace of encouragement and injections of God's Word. Phone that friend today. Write that letter today. Text. Email. Facebook a friend. Love on your parents and children today. When you do, you'll provide numerous inoculations from the disease of discouragement and the pit of despair. My friend, somebody, somewhere, right now needs an encouraging word. I'm glad my professor in college spoke refreshing words to me. YOU can be a vessel of encouragement today? Because of Christ and all that He has done for us, I highly encourage you to do so.
From My Soul,
Rick Hoppe
Teaching Pastor
Faith Bible Church
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