In our life journey, the encouragement of others can make all the difference in the world! Throughout my lifetime in business, I’ve had many in my corner offer words of encouragement.
When sincerely brought, you can always tell the encourager truly means what they convey in picking you up when you fall down.
You can also tell by their actions, which certainly complement what has been communicated verbally or written for your benefit.
Encouragers are a wonderful blessing to this challenging existence we all must experience.
There are many biblical examples of encouragers in God’s Word.
Jonathan, the son of King Saul, stood by David even as his father pursued his dear friend. I imagine he sensed David would one day replace his father as King of Israel.
Joshua stood by Moses for a 40-year stint in the Wilderness and later was chosen by God to lead that next generation into the Promised Land.
And then there was Caleb, who came along Joshua’s side as they crossed the Jordan and conquered the territory with God’s mighty hand.
Mordecai stood by Esther as she was miraculously chosen Queen of Persia. Elisha was chosen by the Lord to come alongside Elijah and, in God’s perfect timing, to take his mantle as Elijah was swept away into the heavenlies.
And, of course, there’s Barnabas, whose name means Son of Encouragement, who came alongside the Apostle Paul in those early years of his ministry.
On a more personal note, my greatest encourager has been my wife. Janet. No matter what the circumstance, she’s been by my side through it all since 1985.
When it comes to the unique gift of encouragement, perhaps its greatest attribute is to motivate our Christian brothers and sisters to remain obedient to God’s Word!
Through constant commitment to the Word, we willingly allow the Holy Spirit to fill us to the brim.
That’s where we must be to find the spiritual strength to withstand the fiery arrows of the Enemy. Perseverance is always founded in the intercessory prayer of the saints.
I’m often encouraged by the words of King Solomon found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”
Please note that last verse talks about three strands. That integral third strand paints a picture of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of all who obediently follow Christ Jesus.
May I boldly suggest you take to heart this discussion and ask God to make His presence known to you. After all, He sent His only Son to die for your sake!