Encouraging Words

Have you ever had one of those days?  A day where it seems like nothing goes your way?  Or a day where it seems like the world is crashing down upon you?   It is in those moments and on those days that we need encouragement the most.  I love the encouraging words of Jesus recorded by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  It is the grace of God that saves us and also sustains us no matter what our circumstance nor what the discouragement we face.

The Church is the body of Christ!  This is one of the great New Testament metaphors describing the nature and function of the Church.  The Epistle of Romans 12:3-8 exhorts us to offer our lives as a spiritual sacrifice to God.  Whenever we utilize our gifts (spiritual abilities), which are distributed throughout the body according to the grace given to us, we bring glory to God.  Exercising our gifts is like exercising a muscle.  The more we use it, the more we strengthen the body.   If we fail to use our spiritual gifts, then the body suffers from atrophy.   The Apostle Paul writes, "If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others; let him give generously, if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if is is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."

Isn't it encouraging to know that there is a place for everyone and a role for every member of the body?  These are encouraging words.  Maybe we would feel better if we utilized our gifts to serve others on those days where we feel the stress of life or the discouragement that can accompany struggles.  I have found that great encouragement comes when we take our focus off ourselves and look to serve others.  Whenever we do so, we strengthen the Body of Christ and often forget our own pain.

Let me encourage you with these words; Pray to God today and ask Him to show you someone that you can encourage.  Maybe you can write them a note, email or text.  Maybe a phone call would lift them.  As God displays that person to you, make sure you follow through.  It is amazing what a few encouraging words can do!