Be the Encourager

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT

If an encourager is defined as “someone who provides support, confidence, or hope to others,” then the majority of runners I know would most definitely fit the definition. And let me tell you, people who lift other people up, either by word or deed, are absolutely priceless! This was the continual thought I had over the course of the 12-hour Racing for Daylight Ultra event held over the weekend. With it’s unusual start time of 6:00 p.m., the participants ran or walked through the cold, dark, misty hours of the night—with the course getting increasingly harder and less populated (runners were urged to come for as long as they wanted to) as the evening wore on. With only five runners (myself included) left on the 2.7 mile loop after eight hours with only four to go, I found myself increasingly anticipating the sight of each headlamp moving toward me along the isolated path as I knew what it would bring… encouraging words from a fellow runner that would comfort, hearten and cheer me on. 

And you know, when it comes to providing comfort or encouragement to one another, the Bible instructs us to “encourage each other and build each other up.” Take notice here that giving encouragement is stressed above taking encouragement. Which means every believer should actively be looking for opportunities and ways to spur others on, even more than they “are already doing,” so they will motivate, influence and inspire those people they meet along the spiritual course of life to keep pressing on to the finish line; something that has benefits far beyond what we can ever comprehend. 

So let us always remember that, in the words of Chuck Swindoll, “Encouragement is awesome. It can actually change the course of another person's day, week, or life" and let that thought motivate us to be encouragers wherever we go!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that believers should always be ready and willing to share uplifting words and perform morale boosting actions. Give us a fervent mind and a loving heart to do this to all people Lord, especially to those in the family of Christ. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!