Are We There Yet?
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Do you remember asking that question as your family started a vacation trip? Maybe your children irritated you to no end and even started asking before you drove out of the town limits. After a few hours, your jaw hurt from gritting your teeth. But you knew they would have a wonderful time once they arrived. So, you continued. Dianne Neal Matthews (Mornings with Jesus) encourages us to keep going and to be an encourager along the way.
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It had been a long time since my husband and I had hiked down a trail to see a waterfall—maybe too long. Sweat dripped down our faces, and our joints silently but persistently complained about the rocky, uneven terrain. We wondered how much farther we had to go. Then a smiling couple approached from the opposite end of the path. Seeing that we had paused, they offered encouraging words: “You’re almost there! It’s just a little bit farther. The rest of the way isn’t too bad.” I asked if the view would be worth the trouble; they assured us that it would be. We thanked them and continued our trek.
I’ll admit I get weary sometimes and feel tempted to give up. Whether climbing a steep nature trail on a sweltering day or navigating through a difficult season of life, it helps to hear from someone who’s been there. Part of being a Christ follower means speaking words that encourage and build up those around me, just as Jesus did. Jesus demonstrated this beautifully in His conversations with His disciples during His final days as He prepared and strengthened them for the trials and turbulence that lay ahead (John 14).
One of the best ways I can honor Jesus is to help others find the strength to keep going on their spiritual journey during the rough patches and to assure them that the destination is most definitely worth the trip.
FAITH STEP: Keep watch today for someone who could use encouragement to continue their journey with Jesus. Ask Jesus to give you the words that person needs to hear.
Father God, thank You for Your encouraging words that we can read every moment of every day. Help us to act on these words and be an encouragement to others. AMEN.