All of us need encouragement. We need somebody to believe in us, to reassure and reinforce us, to help us pick up the pieces and go on, to fuel our flame of determination as we face the odds against us.
I doesn’t matter how influential, secure, or mature a person you may appear to be, an expression of encouragement never fails to help.
One hundred years ago, representative from Kentucky, George Adams wrote, “We should seize every opportunity to give encouragement. Encouragement is oxygen of the soul.”
When was the last time someone encouraged you, I mean, they came along side and said something or did something and you walked away with a smile, with a challenge, with a desire to go forward and do your best. You walked away with a boost and zest for life that you didn’t have before that time with them. I’m not talking about just being a people pleaser, but really adding value to someone’s life. Has that happened to you recently where someone really blessed you?
Let’s reverse it: When was the last time you encouraged someone? I mean you really encouraged them. They walked away from you with a smile, with a challenge, with a desire to go forward and do their best. One of the best things you can do in your interactions with others, is to treat them as if they were the most important person on earth to you at that moment.
Have you ever read a book, or article, or heard a sermon and as soon as it was over you said to yourself, “That was for me. That’s an area I’m going to implement in my life. That really motivated or challenged me spiritually to do more for God or others.” If so, then you received an encouraging word. Once you receive it, look for ways to give it to others—starting at home.
The history books are full of stories of gifted persons whose talents were overlooked by many people until someone believed in them.
•Einstein was four years old before he could speak and seven before he could read.
•Isaac Newton did poorly in elementary school.
•A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because he had “no good ideas.”
•Leo Tolstoy flunked out of college.
•And the great rocket scientist, Werner von Braun, failed 9th grade algebra.
•Haydn gave up ever making a musician of Beethoven, who seemed a slow and plodding young man with no apparent talent – except a belief in music.
There is a lesson in such stories: different people develop at different rates, and the best motivators are always on the lookout for hidden gifts. Be an encourager! Learn to identify those hidden talents and then encourage those individuals with your words and actions.
Parents, one of your jobs is to identify the “diamond in the rough!” God uniquely made your child with special gifts, graces, and abilities that no one else on this planet possesses. Your job is to inspire them to use those gifts and abilities for the glory of God in their lifetime. When you take God’s power and a humble surrendered will, the supernatural will occur.
Every person, every marriage, every family, every church, every community, and every country needs encouragers. Encouragers are the oil to the engine, the oxygen for the lungs, and the water to the well.
“Flatter me, and I may not believe you.
Criticize me, and I may not like you.
Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.
Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”
William Arthur Ward
The apostle Paul wrote his journey to encouragement out of his most difficult days in life. Beginning on April 19, we will follow Paul’s personal journey of hope and renewal. It has been a long winter in Pennsylvania. But spring is here and God wants to breathe new life into your spiritual and personal walk.
Upcoming Messages on Encouragement.
April
5 Easter
12 Guest Speaker Dr. Les Ollila
19 The God Who Comforts
26 How to Have a Clean Conscience
May
3 World Missions Conference
10 Mother’s Day
17 Standing on God’s Promises
31 Forgiveness – the Best way to Live
June
7 Our Triumph in Christ
14 We are God’s Word to the World
21 Father’s Day
28 The Spirit Gives Life
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