The power of positive
"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Proverbs 16:24
Encouraging words have such awesome power. I got to experience that firsthand Saturday. It was to be the hottest day of the year with a heat index above 101 F. As if spending eight hours in it wouldn't be gruesome enough, my friend and I began a 31 mile trail race at 8:00 am that morning-one of the most challenging ones I've ever done. We started off with a smile on our faces, the joy of the Lord in our hearts and our eyes fixed on the finish line. This was going to be a great day we agreed. We were set out to complete the three 10.4 mile loops in record time-or so we thought. The first loop went fabulous as the mercury hadn't climbed yet and we had high hopes of a memorable finish-it was memorable alright but not because of our outstanding running skills. As we were halfway into loop 2, we noticed that we hadn't seen any other runners in quite a while (only 55 attempted this distance), I remarked that it was either because we were so far ahead that we gained a gap or so far behind that everyone had passed us. When we finally made it to the next aid station to ask, they told us that we were doing fabulous! As a matter of fact, they said we looked very strong and were on fire (notice they didn't say where we were in the race). Well, that was all we needed to hear. We were confident that we were somewhere near the front of the pack and began picking up the pace and really enjoying the run. Oh, the power of gracious words. Proverbs 15:23 says, "Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!" We crossed that finish line as if we had just won the Boston Marathon, smiling with our hands held high in praise. What a race!
Later on, as we checked the placing, we found out that we were actually number 45 and 46 out of 55 runners to cross the finish line. What a laugh we had! We thought that we were really what they said we were..."running strong and on fire". God bless those aid station volunteers for giving us those "gracious words" that did indeed provide "health to the body." Did they change the outcome? Probably not. Did they change our attitudes? Absolutely! The point is, always be ready and willing to provide a kind word. You never know the power that it can have in someone's life.
Always be generous with your encouraging words, you may inspire others to be the best they can be. -Catherine Pulsifer
Heavenly Father, thank you for putting those people in our lives that always seem to have the right words to say. I pray that we do the same for others. I pray that we speak gracious words to those in need that will give them the strength to carry on. And I pray that we will give you glory for every victory, because it is only through your strength that we take the first step, the steps in between and that final one across the finish line. We praise You for all You do Lord. In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.
Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org
Speak life-Toby Mac
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