Encouragement

There are many things that happen in our world which become a discouragement to us such as violence, fatigue, stress at work or at home, difficulties with finances, fighting, wars, health concerns and many other things.  When we experience problems, we are faced with pressure that drains us of our strength and energy. Being discouraged means that we have been deprived of our confidence and hope.  All of this is debilitating and saps the joy from our lives.  If that is the case for us, it is the same for other people.

When discouragement sets in, we desperately need something that lifts us up, encourages us, and lessens the negative or at least turns it into something positive.  In Scripture the Apostle Paul points to important instruction on this topic when he says, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6).

Here are some implications for us from this verse:

1)    God is the source of spiritual encouragement – “God who gives endurance and encouragement.”   We will never find eternal encouragement in “things of the world” but only in that which God provides.

2)    Spiritual encouragement leads to unity – “Give you a spirit of unity…as you follow Christ Jesus.”  Once we have been encouraged by God, He also provides the ability to be unified with others of like precious faith.

3)    Spiritual encouragement primes us for giving glory to God – “With one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”.  As we are encouraged spiritually our desire will be to give God the glory that is due Him for all the wonderful things He does in this world and has done for us personally.

So, the next time you become discouraged, turn to God.  Let the spiritual encouragement you receive from Him prompt you to breathe a prayer of thanks to God for His incredible power.  Ask God to continue to work in and through you for His honor and glory.  Is there someone whom you need to encourage today with a telephone call, email or text?  Do it now.

Taken by Surprise

In most cases, things that surprise us are positive and fun.  We might receive an unexpected gift, have opportunity to participate in an unplanned event that materializes, meet a close friend or family member whom we have not seen for some time, or receive an unanticipated word of thanks or encouragement from someone.  These positive surprises bring a smile to our face, excitement to our life and joy to our heart.

However, there are other surprises that are not fun, turn out to be negative, and bring stress to us.  Some time ago two negative surprises came to my wife and me within one week – both our water heater and refrigerator quit working.  These unexpected surprises brought concern, distress, and even discouragement to us.  However, since we live our lives from a Christian perspective, we were reminded in Scripture about how we should approach any surprise whether it is positive or negative.  The Bible says, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).  Wow!  What an interesting verse and the words in it have several implications.  This verse reminds us how to approach any situation.

1)      Surprises will Occur.  Both positive and negative experiences will happen to us – as suggested by the words “whatever happens.” So, do not be surprised when something positive or negative happens to you.

2)      Action is Essential.  We have responsibility for how we act – as suggested by the words “conduct yourselves”.  Often when we are surprised – especially if it is something negative which we do not expect – and we tend to blame others or at least wonder “Why me?”

3)      A Standard is Crucial.  As Christians, the way we live our lives must measure up to a godly standard – as suggested by the words “worthy of the gospel of Christ”.  We do not have to wonder what the standard is, but simply refer to our guidebook, the Bible.

Have you been taken by surprise lately?  Was that surprise positive or negative?  Did you have more than one surprise?  How did you handle the surprise?  If you are a child of God, Philippians 1:27 gives guidance in approaching any surprise from a godly perspective.

Heart Failure

During these days of the Covid-19 virus pandemic people are discouraged.  You have probably heard the words that are used to try to reassure people such as, “We’ll get through this”, “You’ll get through this” or “We’re all in this together.”  These words have been uttered in texts, in telephone conversations, on the internet, and on television.  The intent of these statements is that although everyone is going through things such as isolation, personal distancing, handwashing and staying in place – this will end – hopefully in the near future.

Since the pandemic is discouraging to so many people, let’s take time to look more closely at the word “discourage” and see what we can learn by dividing the word into two parts.  “Dis” is the first part of the word which has to do with failure.  The second part of the word – “courage” – points to the heart.  So, to be discouraged literally means to have heart failure.  When we get discouraged our motivation is either taken away from us or set aside because we lose our source of power.  To handle discouragement people need to get back to their source of power.  Of course, the Scripture points out that our real source of power is God, Himself.  II Peter 1:3 says, “His [God’s] divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

Examining this verse more closely, you will notice several aspects of power.  (1) First, the power mentioned is God’s divine power.  He is the source of the power we need and of course, His power is much greater than any other power available to us.  (2) Second, God’s divine power has been given to us.  The "us" refers to people who are committed to God through a personal relationship – a life-sharing union with Him.  They are the recipients of His divine power.  (3) Third, God's divine power is complete and adequate.   His power does not simply provide a few things for us to enjoy, but gives us God's abundance - everything we need.  (4) Fourth, the divine power that God gives to us is to be utilized in daily living.  As we learn more about God – who He is, what He has done, and how He continues to work in our lives – we can rely on His strength each day.

Everyone needs God’s divine power.  You need it and I need it.  Ephesians 3:16 reminds us that God, “out of his glorious riches … strengthen(s) us with power through his Spirit.”  When we take time to accept God’s invitation to have a personal relationship with Him, we will possess His power which is at work in us.  Ephesians 3:20 explains it this way, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” God's power is an active power that can be displayed in our lives every day.  How will we get through this Covid-19 pandemic?  The answer is by relying on God’s divine power.  What a great encouragement this is to help us get us out of the doldrums of discouragement and make a difference in our world for the cause of Christ.  However, remember that we need God’s help to get our hearts on the right track so we can get through the Covid-19 difficulty.  Having God’s power reign in our lives is crucial for us to live the way He wants us to live. Why not turn from your "heart failure" – your discouragement – to God and let Him give you joyful encouragement?

Facing the Unknown

With the COVID-19 virus situation we are basically facing the unknown.  What joys will be ours?  What difficulties will we experience?  How will we respond to the positives and the negatives?  Many years ago, king Jehoshaphat of Israel faced an army that was huge and powerful and about to annihilate them.  In prayer, he came before God and said,   “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.  We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” (II Chronicles 20:12).  What great advice and a wonderful example he gave for us to follow.  When the unknown is before us – whatever that may be – we should keep our eyes on God.  Here are a few reasons why we should keep our eyes on God.

1)      God is more powerful than any situation we may face.  “Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you” (Psalm 66:4).

2)      God is always ready to answer us and show us what we do not know.  “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

3)      God wants us to come into His presence at any time—even when we are weak and weighed down with concerns.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

So, how are you doing at facing a world with COVID-19?  Are you Unsure?  Tense?  Concerned?  Fearful?  Doubtful?  Discouraged?  Perplexed?  When faced with some of these feelings, try the Jehoshaphat solution.  Keep your eyes on God and entrust yourself to Him.  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

(With some minor changes, this blog is copied from one published in 2013.)

Refections Based on the Actions of Columbus

Columbus Day honors the first voyage of Christopher Columbus to America in 1492.  Columbus had a dream of becoming a sea captain.  He took education seriously and learned as much as he could about everything – but particularly about the seas.  He didn’t let discouragement keep him from following his dream.  Using Columbus as an example, let’s reflect on what we might be able learn and to do from a Christian perspective.

1)    Have a dream.  The Apostle Paul’s dream of an ongoing personal relationship with the Lord could well be ours.  “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).  Does your dream include getting to know God better?

2)    Learn all you can – especially about the Bible.  Paul’s focus suggested that he knew the importance of study and learning.  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).  Are you learning all you can about how God wants you to act and what He wants you to do?

3)    Realize that in spite of discouragement God will help.  The apostle Peter explains how to overcome discouragement.  “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7).  Are you willing to take every difficult situation that causes you to be anxious and place it in God’s hands?

Let’s use the thoughts about Christopher Columbus as a time to turn to the Lord and His word, the Bible.

Thoughts from the Life of Christopher Columbus

Columbus Day honors the first voyage to America of Christopher Columbus in 1492.  Columbus had a dream of becoming a sea captain.  He took education seriously and learned as much as he could about everything – but particularly the seas.  And, he didn’t let discouragement keep him from following his dream.  Using Columbus as an example, let’s focus on what we might be able to do from a Christian perspective.

1)    Have a dream.  The Apostle Paul’s dream of an ongoing personal relationship with the Lord could well be ours.  “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).  Does your dream include getting to know God better?

2)    Learn all you can – especially about the Bible.  Paul’s focus suggested that he knew the importance of study and learning.  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).  Are you learning all you can about how God wants you to act and what He wants you to do?

3)    Realize that in spite of discouragement God will help.  The apostle Peter explains how to overcome discouragement.  “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7).  Are you willing to take every difficult situation that causes you to be anxious and place it in God’s hands?

This year maybe Columbus Day can be more than just a holiday to celebrate.  Let’s use it s a time to turn to the Lord and His word.