I have been busy and haven’t had the opportunity to write. And now that I have a few moments I am not sure what to even write about. That is a strange concept for me. I realized that my intentions have always been to send an encouraging word out to those around me. So I hope that is what this is to you. I feel that each person has a specific gifting that embodies them. Its purpose, as a believer, is to encourage those around us.

Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJ) says it best, “Comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”

We all have some type of gifting that comes naturally that we can share with others. And even though we each have our own part in this world or in the body of Christ, we are ultimately considered one body.  If we do our part we are actually helping the body of Christ to work as one unit. And where there is unity there is so much that can be accomplished.

That is the main reason that the enemy of our souls, satan, comes to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) If he can divide the body of Christ, then chaos will be sure to follow, making the progression of the promise of salvation seem unimportant. Soon the hearts of men and women will come to a muddy sludge and darkness will try to prevail.

But expressing our gifts towards one another helps those in the body of Christ work as one unit accomplishing what God has sent us to this earth to fulfill. We all desire to fulfill our destiny; to fulfill our purpose, not just inhale air. And just like our own body has hands that reach out to someone who has fallen and feet that may take us to unimaginable places to bring hope, God desires the body of Christ to bring hope and healing to those around us.

In the book of Romans Paul talks about specific gifts. Whether it is grace, prophecy, serving others, teaching, leadership skills, giving, showing kindness or even encouraging others, we are to do it to the best of our ability; to do it with excellence.

“If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.” Romans 12:8b (NLT)

I hope the words I have spoken in the past or the words I speak today will encourage someone. Again, that is my intention. That is my purpose for writing, for praying or simply for smiling at another individual. I desire to encourage those around me.

It’s similar to a cheerleader at a football game or a spectator at a marathon. I desire to shout enthusiastically to those that are running the race with vigilance and to whisper comfort to those who have stumbled along life’s way or have stopped to rest.

DO NOT GIVE UP.

Some people will understand the words I am saying and shout a quiet hallelujah to themselves. Others will think, “oh how nice”. But perhaps there is someone who says deep in their spirit…”I am tired. I am weary. I am confused. I hope you will pray for me.”

To each person (especially to those who are tired) I want to share one of my favorite scriptures found in Isaiah 20:31.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (KJV)

The key here is to WAIT upon the LORD. Call out to him and then wait. Listen to his tender voice whether it be through the reading of his word, through the wisdom of a trusted friend or simply his quiet voice deep in your spirit. The LORD promises to RENEW your strength.

And I can promise you that if you do not give up, if you continue to trust the Lord even when it looks impossible, you will be rewarded just like the marathon runner who continues to run to the finish line. I remember running in cross-county in high school. So often I just wanted to quit. But I kept telling myself the finish line is just ahead.

The word of God does not lie. “.. let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings IF we don’t give up”. Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

Remember if God is for you, WHO can be against you. We are one body yet we are a team of individuals and we are each victorious through Christ! Be encouraged. God bless.