I went out to my van the other night and started home. I stopped down the road a piece to take a note off my windshield before it blew away. It was a short note of encouragement from someone who listens to my radio segment.
Thank you so much to you and to others who have encouraged me along the way by letting me know that God has worked through me to make a difference for you. That means a lot, and I appreciate the feedback!
We all have challenging weeks. On the whole, people – me included – often do not slow down enough to say, “Thank you,” to those who make a difference for us. We need to make an effort to do that more often. Sometimes that one little “thank you” can make the difference in someone continuing on with what they are doing or giving up on the task at hand.
We need to remember our missionaries. They face challenges each day, and sometimes it can be a little discouraging for them – particularly those living and working in areas unfriendly to Christians. Do pray for them and encourage them when you can. Remember, many of them risk their lives to spread the gospel.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25
In Hebrews, we see the phrase, “but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” There’s no way to know for sure, but I think we are seeing the day approaching. We are definitely closer than we were about 2,000 years ago. In these end times, we need to exhort one another and so much the more. Standing up for Jesus can be tough. It’s not always popular. Sometimes we will be out and out confronted by unbelievers.
The more folks that you are in front of each day, the more opportunities there are for feedback, but it won’t always be positive. I want to encourage you to remember that you do not do it for yourself. You witness and do good works for Jesus. Any rejection you receive is not about you. The rejection is really aimed at our Lord.
With that in mind, make a point to be extra encouraging to one another.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 13:34-35
Make encouragement a part of that love you have for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Go out of your way to remind them that what they are doing for the Lord does make a difference.
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to pick up a card to send, write a note, or plan a phone call to someone who has made a difference for you in your walk with the Lord or who is working diligently to reach others for Jesus. We need to give them lots of encouragement.