Be Quick to Comfort and Encourage

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV

“Look at these beautiful people (Larry and Melissa Sharp) we were blessed to see at the Mizzou Orthopedic Hospital in Columbia! God’s timing is perfect! We hope that brother Larry receives good news (most importantly God’s will) in regard to his broke down knees.” Those were the words my dear friend Sherri posted to Facebook shortly after we “just so happened” to run into one another as her husband was coming out from his consultation and my husband was going in. Of course you know we hugged!! What are the chances of that happening anyway?

Well, if you’re a believer, the chances are very good! You see, God loves us so much that He personally arranges meeting such as the one we had (pictured above) so believers can mutually comfort, encourage, edify, build up, and lift one another up at just the right time. Is that amazing or what?

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’”

John 16:33

To truly understand the priceless value of encouragement, we need look no further than the example Jesus gave us after He told the disciples that they would have trials and tribulations in this world. Notice that He didn’t sugar coat the truth? Jesus was very clear that being a believer wouldn’t exempt them (or us) from pain and suffering, but.. He then encouraged the disciples with the words, ”be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” These words of hope and assured victory are still bringing peace and encouragement to believers around the world today and are the reason so many downtrodden saints were able and are able to press on. Words have that much power!

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”

Proverbs 16:24

So, knowing that pleasant words have the power to lift up spirits and give health to the bones, look for opportunities to lift up another brother or sister today my friend. Pray for them and then be ready to share what God’s Word says about our trials… namely Romans 8:28 that says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” This is another promise millions of saints have clung to. I know I have.

In fact, as we drove home from the hospital after the bittersweet news that my sweet Larry would need a left knee replacement and would not be allowed to run again (something we’ve enjoyed doing together for many years), my husband and I talked about this promise and then we praised God for all the runs He had given us!! Oh what beautiful memories we have from the hundreds of times we ran together and the countless miles we were able to share! And then we praised God again for the news that Larry could still speed walk!! And bike! This meant we could still enjoy our time together outside... just in a different way. And we are excited to see the doors this will open to spread the Gospel!

God indeed works ALL things together for the good of those who love Him as the Scriptures say! This is a promise that lifted our spirits and a promise that we are standing on! Won’t you encourage someone with those words today?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many promises in the Bible that serve to lift our spirits and comfort us. Help us to commit them to memory Lord so that we would be able to edify our brothers and sisters when they are in need of encouragement. Help us to be people known as encouragers and people of faith that not only share your promises but trust wholeheartedly in your promises. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!