Discouragement

“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.” – Billy Graham

Even little things can be a discouragement. Case in point: my new little dog. Housetrained. Not when it’s zero degrees. Sigh…

“I thank God for you every time I think of you,” Paul said. I do the same when I think of you who visit my blog. It’s such an encouragement that throughout the world we are of one mind and heart to bring people to Christ and to become more like Christ. To transform into new creatures. The world is so hostile. The enemy rages and wants to tear flesh. People are centered on themselves with solutions that do not save. And we are to carry on giving the good news. Truly, there’s a lot to discourage us.

Our father knows this. That’s why we have each other. Sometimes we need each other to celebrate good things, grieve, lift up, teach, hug (virtual hug here). We are part of the father’s plan and he knew we couldn’t do it alone. He gave us the Holy Spirit who works in us in spite of our flaws and sins. The Bible is full of such characters to encourage and teach us too.

The father saw fit to use us in little ways and giant ways. In good times and bad times. He always sees what we’re doing even when recognition and encouragement are sparse or non-existent.

Be patient. More importantly, be kind. The father always rewards at just the right time. We don’t open a cocoon too early but let it work perfectly into a beautiful butterfly. We don’t dig up the seeds we planted to see how they’re growing but we patiently water and feed them and rejoice when they sprout. And we don’t let our toddlers drive a car. “All things are beautiful in their own time.”

Musings

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” And this is good news. The best news. When problems, the world threatens us and we’re ready to give up, let us remember “There’s nothing new under the son.” He will overcome.

Prayer

Dear Father,

If we let discouragement stop us, nothing will get done. In fact, much of daily life can discourage and immobilize us. That’s why you gave us each other. Help us to encourage and appreciate each other. Let’s face it! It’s tough down here. But we have you, the Holy Spirit, grace and the blessings of each other. Thank you.

Amen.