Words of Encouragement

When I was a little girl and felt wounded over something that happened (usually because one of my big brothers teased me), Mom or Dad would rescue me. They invited me to crawl up into their laps, where I found solace as they wrapped their arms around me and spoke words of encouragement.

I often did the same for my children when they suffered trouble or mishaps. I’d call them to me, hold them in my arms, and pray for them.

God desires to do the same for us. Through His mercy, He calls us to Him to comfort us in our times of distress. He invites us to share that same encouragement with others who find themselves in difficult situations.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those
in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV

Comfort here means to encourage, pray, call near, or invite. In what ways do we find the comfort that we need to share with others?

When I’m filled with despair, worry, or concerns about things in my life, God invites me to read His Word where I find strength, peace, and encouragement. He calls me near as I pray and seek His answers to my questions. To rest in God’s love and His Word speaks to me. I can then share His love with others who need support through prayer and words of hope.

Often, I don’t feel worthy of His calling to comfort others. My words of encouragement may not always express what my heart longs to share. But I’m learning to push through that awkwardness and rely more upon the Lord and His reassurance to me as stated in this blessing.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,
who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, NIV

I’m being strengthened as I step out in faith to bless others through what I do and say. I receive this blessing from the Lord and will continue to do my best to offer words of encouragement to others. This blessing is for you too.

---

Photo by Niklas Veenhuis - Unsplash

Hit Hard

Have you ever been hit hard with something you weren’t at all expecting? Terrible news of some sort you never thought would affect you or those you love? Perhaps the unexpected death of a loved one, divorce of a family member, a personal job loss, a tragic accident, or an unforeseen diagnosis?

Even in those times, God is working on our behalf and will never leave us. He’s our hope and help. He comforts us when we’re weary, provides peace when we’re stressed, and gives us joy in our sorrow.

My husband and I went on a hike two weeks ago and returned home to devastating news. We notified family and friends and called upon them to pray over this situation. Their support and understanding brought comfort to our troubled hearts.

Two days later, during my quiet time with the Lord, I read Romans Chapter 8. When I finished, I reread verse 28.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I said, “Yes, Lord. You are working for our good in this circumstance, and I thank You.”

Within a few hours, another hit came, which made what happened earlier even more devastating. That’s when Romans 8:26-27 came to life as I cried out to the Lord.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Later that day, my husband quoted Romans 8:28 unaware I’d read that same scripture twice that morning. And that evening, as we streamed our mid-week service, our pastor shared the same verse. God was speaking to my heart and telling me that He was in control and working, even though I felt uncertain. How do I know this? His Word declares it. I love Him and He has called me, so He is working for good in my life and in others affected by this news.

Be encouraged knowing that even in our struggles, God is with us. He works even when we can’t see what He is doing. That’s where faith comes in. Faith to believe God is at work in our situation to fulfill his purpose in us.

We walk in faith and hope knowing God is at work. Even when we’re hit hard, He is with us because the Holy Spirit is in us. The Spirit pleads for me and He pleads for you. If you are struggling or hurting, please know God is working in all things.

Father, many of us have been hit hard with trials. But You, Lord, are at work in each of our situations and for this I thank You. I’m also grateful for the Holy Spirit who pleads for my needs according to Your will. I love you, Lord, and thank you for loving me. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

---

All scripture is from the New International Version (NIV).

Photo by Aliyah Jamous - Unsplash

Are You Weary or Soaring?

On a trip to the Oregon coast, my husband and I watched as a bald eagle swooped down, snatched a young bird from a cliff, and carried it off in his talons. As symbols of strength, freedom, and victory, eagles are powerful both in flight and with their vision. They fly at impressive heights and wait patiently for their prey. They also have excellent eyesight and focus with clarity.

Perhaps the imagery of power, patience, and focus is expressed in the following Scripture.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow
weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31, NIV

The New King James version reads, wait on the Lord. This is not a passive waiting but a faith-filled expectancy as we hope in Christ and what He is doing in our lives.

As we wait on the Lord and pray for Him to move in our situation, He renews our strength. That’s one way we grow in our faith walk with Christ.

Eagles soar without using much energy. They don’t tire or grow weary easily. If we keep our focus on Jesus, and what He endured for us, we won’t give up either.

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:3, NIV

Jesus knows the obstacles we meet each day. He knows what’s happening around us and understands our turmoil, angst, and impatience. He gives us strength to overcome every obstacle in our path.

Covid-19 may have disrupted our lives and normalcy and caused us to feel perplexed and struck down. But according to 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, we are not crushed, in despair, abandoned, or destroyed when we are in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV states—

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting
away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,
but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.

I believe Paul was saying we shouldn’t give up or give in to discouragement, for our spirit is being renewed each day. In the grand scheme of things, our troubles here are temporary, but our hope in Christ and eternal life are so much greater. As we place our hope and faith in Him, may we eagerly await our future joy together.

We can soar on eagle’s wings if we stay focused on Christ.

---

Title photo by Sean McGee - Unsplash

Photos below by LuAnn K. Edwards.
Mama bird was not happy with Mr. Eagle!

Hope in a Time of Crisis

Where can we find hope? There’s no better place to find what we need during this time of crisis than the Word of God. I believe the verses below speak of the promises we have in knowing our Lord, and they also offer us comfort.

I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.

(Psalm 130:5 NLT)

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Romans 15:13 NLT)

Confident expectation is the Biblical definition of hope as we look to God’s promises in His Word. During these difficult times, we can rest in the assurance of His love and His coming.

With God’s Word and Christ in us, we can rest in hope and dwell in peace. The Lord’s got this—whatever “this” is for us—the virus, other health concerns, a family situation, our job, and our finances. Trust Him.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

(Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

God’s Word doesn’t hide the fact that we’ll endure struggles, but these difficulties help us grow stronger in character and reinforce our hope of salvation.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

(Romans 5:3-5 NLT)

In two of the verses above, we see the role of the Holy Spirit equipping us with power. This gives us confidence and fills our hearts with God’s love. In addition, the Holy Spirit indwells, guides, and intercedes for us, and He is our comforter. Trust Him to hold you during this time of crisis, guide you through God’s Word, and intercede on your behalf as you pray and seek the Lord.

Father, I thank You for Your Word and for the rest and hope we find there. Thank you for the power of the Holy Spirit working in us as we trust in You and as you fill us with joy and peace. Lord I ask for Your protection over us, and for those who are sick, I pray for healing. Bless the lonely, the anxious, and those who feel forgotten during this time of crisis and may they find comfort in knowing You love them. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

I’m praying for God’s blessings upon you. Stay safe and well!

---

Photo by Toimetaja Tolkeburoo - Unsplash