Are You an Encourager? Do You Need One? I Do!

Do You Ever Need a Little Encouragement? I Do!

Linus Looks as Though He Could Use Some, Doesn’t He?

(Did you know his name is Linus van Pelt? I didn’t.)

Encouragement Defined:

Urging another to persist and persevere toward a goal; stimulating others to show care

Ever had dreams and goals? Ever achieved any? Ever given up any? What kept you going? What/who knocked you down? Those who come into our lives can help encourage us to accomplish or realize dreams or be involved in our discouragement. Who do you know that needs encouragement? You may be just that person to pick them up, dust them off, and point them to the Lord Jesus who will guide them to fulfill His purposes for their lives.

How do you meet the need of Encouragement?

1. A phone call to help someone be ready for their “big day” with lots on the line.
2. A note tucked inside a shirt pocket saying, “I believe in you!”
3. A call and a short time or prayer before the big test or interview.
4. Someone who knows the circumstances saying, “Don’t give up. Trust God. I believe in you!”
5. A lunch or coffee break with a friend who is facing discouragement. And you listen more than advise unless asked for direction.

What if the need for Encouragement is met? What is possible?

1. That call may be just what a friend needed to face the challenge with trust in God’s adequacy to be with him/her no matter the outcome.
2. Reading that note of encouragement may put a smile on his face and calm in his demeanor.
3. Encouragement may help her/him have perspective of God’s will being done.
4. Encouragement and time with that friend may give them God’s perspective and hope to keep trusting Him.
5. Being encouraged toward a goal or dream may result in someone finishing a project that changes the world, or at least his/her world for the better.

What if the need for Encouragement is not met?

1. A shift in the attitude may take his confidence level down and make the challenge even harder, especially if he/she feels they are in it alone.
2. If someone doesn’t give encouragement on a consistent basis, he/she may develop a very low, false opinion of their own worth.
3. They may find it difficult to trust God later in life if there were no trustworthy encouragers in their past.
4. He/she may give up on the project just before a great and worthy outcome is achieved.

What does God say about Encouragement?

I Thessalonians 5:11 is a clear directive for us to heed. It says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing”.

He doesn’t tell us to lie to others or give them false hope, but encourage others to trust God’s faithfulness to work all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. How do we do that? We ourselves have to know that God is faithful to keep His Word and to do His will since He knows best and has ultimate control of outcomes. We don’t.

Recall times when God’s faithfulness to you has been on display and be ready to give encouragement to others, as needed. Make sure you listen well and rejoice with them or mourn with them as you give appropriate responses to their story. Romans 12:15

Can you think of some others in your life who need encouragement now? What is your plan to address that need?

Do you need help? Who can help you?

Maybe praying with that person is all that is needed. Maybe listening attentively is all that is needed. Maybe they could see their way forward, if someone just showed they cared. Maybe if you just spoke to a friend about your discouragement you would find a caring heart. Maybe you just need to talk to the One Who is the best encourager ever…in prayer.

Don’t wait too long!