Lend your Support

“To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” 1 Timothy 1:2 NIV

In a story titled “Darren Kay: Missing runner's family overwhelmed by support published by the BBC, the following was said about the ongoing search for the missing runner: The family of a British man who went missing while running alone on Madeira say they have been overwhelmed with support. Fell runner Darren Kay, 52, was on holiday with his partner in the town of Calheta when the couple went on a two-hour run together on Sunday. Mr Kay, from Sedbergh in Cumbria, decided to carry on by himself but never returned, his brother Jonny said. The family said they were working with agencies on the island to find him. In a statement, they said: "Sadly we are not able to provide any positive news at this time in the search for Darren. They went on to say, “We would also wish to thank everyone back home for their messages of support and we have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown."

And you know, while messages of support might not have the power to change a person’s situation or circumstances, notes or letters of encouragement do have the power to help them endure the trials and hardships they might be facing. Which is the very reason Paul wrote two letters to young Timothy filling him with the “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” that were of immeasurable value in giving him the strength, knowledge, courage, fortitude, and confidence to keep pressing on despite the hurdles and hardships that he would face as a young pastor and faithful follower of Christ.

So let us follow the example of Paul and send an encouraging note or text to a person who might need a little bit of encouragement today. Or better yet, when it’s in our power to do so, let us deliver it in person remembering that although Christmas is the most wonderful time of year for some, there are many people who willl be alone and hurting.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that encouraging words can bring immeasurable comfort to people who might be hurting or lonely. Cause us to be sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting and to act on it when we are prompted to visit, call, text or write to someone knowing it could be just what they need to muster the resolve to press on. Lord we also pray for Darren Kay and his family today. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!