"When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord." Acts 11:22-24 BSB
One of the things I love most about my job as the Wellness Coordinator at our local health department is coaching runners young and old—something I was blessed to do yesterday as I taught and timed elementary children at an after school program doing sprints and then instructed adults at a Couch to 5k program later that evening. And I must say, as I cheered and encouraged both groups on, I couldn't help but smile knowing that the difference between a person giving up or pressing on to the finish line is many times as simple as receiving encouragement. It's true. Whether a runner is six or sixty, hearing words that will give them the confidence or motivation to keep going when they feel like giving up or cause them to work harder is crucial to their success. Add in a pat on the back or a high five and the results are amazing!
And you know, when it comes to encouragement, each one of us would do well to have a "Barnabas" in our corner. What I mean by that is this... Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," was "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith" and known for the way he uplifted, vitalized and stirred people's spirits. So much so that "a great number of people were brought to the Lord" by his encouragement. And in a world that's growing increasingly dark and anything but uplifting, having a personal cheerleader in our lives could very well make all the difference in whether we stay true to the faith or throw in the towel.
So if you don't have a person in your life that will lift you up and encourage you to "abide in the Lord" with all your heart, seek one out my friend. It could most certainly change your life. And if you have the gift of encouragement like Barnabas did, look for ways and opportunities to spread it. It could most certainly change someone else's life.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that words or actions of encouragement have more power than we could ever comprehend. Help us to be people of encouragement Lord that we might influence others to seek You and to stay true to You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment