Terms of Encouragement

“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

Have you ever needed some encouragement?  Have circumstances brought you to a place where you are fearful, impatient, confused, or losing strength in the midst of life’s daily battles?  I believe that discouragement is one of Satan’s favorite, and most effective, “fiery darts”.  If this is the case, then perhaps one of the greatest gifts that we can give to each other are words of encouragement.

Eleven years ago I began the journey of taking care of my elderly mother.  Because of this challenge, I have had to learn new lessons about fighting discouragement—by putting up the shield of faith when facing the barrage of fiery darts.  Paul describes this action in Ephesians 6:16, “…taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”  When I would begin to lose faith during this God-ordained challenge, I never failed to receive strength from truth in scripture, words of friends, and support from others who are going through the same journey of elder caregiving.

In the early years, I just wanted to do what I could to demonstrate Christ-likeness to my mother. I found that the most helpful encouragement that I could receive from friends was centered on Galatians 5:22. They would point out to me when they would see me demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit in a situation. . .with words like, “I really appreciate your faithful care of your mother,” “you are very patient with your mother,” “I can see Christ’s kindness in the way you are taking care of your mother.”  These words were humbling and encouraging at the same time—because it is only through the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life that I can do anything remotely demonstrating Christ-likeness.  So if my friends saw anything in me that was good, we could give God the glory.

But recently things have gotten much more difficult.  Questions abound about her care as her health is failing.  So I was greatly encouraged when my cousin emailed me last week with these words, “Be assured that God has prepared you for this time.  He will give you His grace for as long as you need it.  You will never lack for His support or direction.  Keep listening to His voice.”

Wow—those were powerful words, and I needed them.  I needed to be reassured that God was with me, that He would strengthen me—and by His grace He would guide me.  I believe that my cousin has the spiritual gift of encouragement (Romans 12:8), but I also believe that she sees my situation clearly and truly cares about what is going on in my life.  It is her desire to help me to finish strong, and to comfort me with the comfort she received when she was caring for her mother.  (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

I took her words and passed them on to my Bible study group of wives whose husbands are deployed—in order to encourage them during this time of war and separation.  Here is what one of the ladies wrote back to me, “Thank you so much for that.  It is so simple, but so powerful.  Thank you.”  And another wrote, “Thanks very much for your openness and willingness to share.  Please thank your cousin too.  Her words have touched me – deeply – at a time when I really needed them. There He (God) goes again!  Placing people in my path with impeccable timing!  :-)”

The next day my cousin emailed me the scripture above, from 2 Thessalonians 2:17.  Her messages gave me strength to face another day and confidence that with God’s help I would do the right things in order to care for my mother. Since they are words of truth and hope, I was able to pass them along to ladies who are facing the challenges (and blessings) of reintegration.

Another way others have encouraged me is to tell me that they are praying for me—and have even shared at times what specifically they have prayed.  Our pastor shared from the pulpit yesterday that he is strengthened—not only by God’s answers to prayers for him, but also by hearing that others are lifting him up in prayer.  There is an enemy—Satan—and we need to be reminded that others are “doing battle” for us in prayer (Ephesians 6:18)

Are you discouraged today?  Here’s a suggestion—open up your Bible to Psalm 145.  Reading it will remind you of His unfailing love, and will affirm Paul’s writing in Romans 15:4-6:  “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  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.” 

Do you know a fellow Christ-follower who is discouraged today?  Perhaps you could encourage them with words of how you see Christ modeled in their life during a difficult time.  Perhaps you can share Scripture that will reassure them that they are not alone.  Deuteronomy 31:8 is such a beautiful verse, “The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” 

We need each other.  Whether during deployment—or other life circumstances—we can use our words, and God’s words, to accomplish encouragement.  Paul encouraged the Romans believers with these words, “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”  (Romans 1:11-12)

Be encouraged—and keep the faith!

Questions to share: 

1.        Can you remember a time of great discouragement during which you were helped by the words or actions of others?  Share that with your spouse.

2.        Are either of you discouraged during this deployment?  How can your faith be used to encourage each other?