I hope you have been encouraged by the current sermon series – see what I did there?
We live in a world that NEEDS as much encouragement as possible. We are living in a time when it seems like we don’t have time for encouragement – many are just trying to survive. And how, you may ask, can we be encouraging when it feels like we are facing impossible odds? What do we say when we or someone we care about is facing overwhelming obstacles like a financial crisis, a wayward child, or even a war? Whether it’s encouraging ourselves or others, God is clear in His Word that encouragement is crucial.
How can you encourage someone today? Perhaps you can send a short note of appreciation to someone. Maybe you can compliment the cashier at the store. Tell your significant other exactly what you think is so awesome about them. Even when you feel powerless to encourage in person, you can always encourage through prayer. A little goes a long way!
As you are encouraging others, don’t forget to encourage yourself as well. How?
Remind yourself:
I choose to “walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7).
“I will look to the hills from whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).
Declare that “God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
You can’t give from an empty cup, so fill yours with the encouraging Word of God, and then share His reassuring promises with others.
And remember: use WORSHIP as a WEAPON against WORRY! Are you stressed and anxious? Pause to take a moment to worship and watch what happens. You simply can’t worry and worship at the same time!
As you are encouraging yourself and others, please take a moment to pray for Ukraine and Russia. The war there is taking a devastating toll on all involved. Even if the conflict is resolved soon, the ramifications will be long-lasting.
Pray for peace.
Pray for resolution.
Pray that God will draw many to Himself through this crisis.
Pray for the refugees who find themselves without a home.
Pray for children who find themselves without parents.
Pray for pastors who are shepherding their flocks through this difficult time.
Be encouraged, Bridgeway, and may “the peace that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6).
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