I had a conversation with someone this morning about how some people have a gift for encouragement and other people don’t.
This should not come as a surprise, yet we’re still disappointed when not receiving encouragement from those close to us.
The reality is that God doesn’t intend that our emotions or frame of mind or ministry activity become dependent upon a pat on the back for being a hard worker or a gracious forgiver or a thick-skinned, vision-driven church leader.
Even if others withhold their encouraging words, God never does.
Feeling unappreciated at church? At home? At work?
Feeling taken for granted?
Know for certain that nobody has been taken more for granted than God Himself.
And yet, His love for us abides.
His desire to encourage is hard-wired into the Bible so that we can be sustained no matter how difficult life circumstances become.
“If Your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery.” (Psalm 119:92)
Listen, my friend. No matter how difficult your circumstances become, the Word abides. God’s strengthening love for you abides. His promise for your eternal life abides. And the offer of His Holy Spirit’s leading of your steps along the path of faithfulness abides.
Abiding love. Abiding hope. Abiding wisdom.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
What encouraging news for us today.
As always, I love you
Martin
