Be an encourager always

"The revelation of your words brings light and gives understanding to the inexperienced." Psalm 119:130 CSB

As I descended the hill closing in on mile 20 of the St. Louis Marathon Sunday, I spotted the four hour pacer - walking rather than running, head hung low and pacing stick now down at his side (instead of raised in the air showing he was on schedule). Knowing that this young runner would be unable to complete the job to which he had been assigned, I stopped to offer some encouraging words. "Don't feel bad," I said. "You're not the only one struggling today. I know I am. And if you're worried about not finishing as expected, don't. Every pacer, and I mean even the elite ones, will have a bad race from time to time." Now smiling, he replied, "Thank you. I really needed to hear that." 

And you know what? What's true in running is true in life... no matter how hard you and I train or prepare, we will all fail at one time or another. And while a mature Christian may view defeat as a learning experience and a chance to grow, it might totally devastate a Christian fresh to the faith and cause them to fall away. So then, knowing that the revelation of God's "words brings light and gives understanding to the inexperienced," shouldn't we be looking for opportunities to help and encourage new believers by sharing the truth of the Gospel? Of course we should!

So in the words of Roy T. Bennett, "Be an Encourager: When you encourage others, you boost their self-esteem, enhance their self-confidence, make them work harder, lift their spirits and make them successful in their endeavors. Encouragement goes straight to the heart and is always available. Be an encourager. Always.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for the unexplainable joy that You give to your believers. Help us to spread that joy and the reason that we can smile in the midst of trying circumstances to others. Help us to be encouragers in a world that so desperately needs them. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Grace got you - Mercy Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V-xfVcBNDc