Digging Deeper

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

 Such simple words: you can do it, good job, well done, and I’m there for you. So simple and yet so profound. They can give a tired swimmer that extra strength to reach the wall first, or help a struggling student reach a little farther for that better grade. They also encourage a Christian Brother or sister to “keep fighting the good fight.” (Hebrews 3:13)  But encourage one another, day after day.

    Our Heavenly Father knew just how important encouragement was. So much of scripture is words of encouragement. Our God cheering us on,  (Isaiah 4:10 NAS)  “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am Your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

    I don’t know about you but I find a great deal of encouragement from such personal God involvement.

    How often in my life as I’ve weathered storms, the encouragement of Godly friends gave me that much needed extra strength to carry on. 

    What does a cheerleader look like you ask? It’s the one who demonstrates the character of God. It’s the offer of encouraging words, a shoulder to cry on, and sometimes just the freedom to vent. This loving care helps put life in perspective. We don’t have to have the answers because we can faithfully point them to the One who does. Some times it takes just a simple dried flower bouquet to let a hurting person know they are thought of, they are loved. Amazing things happen when we encourage others.

  We begin to grow, and take on the characteristics and strength of Christ. Being a cheerleader is an important part of being a Christ follower. Never underestimate the power of encouragement. It can be the difference between giving up or hanging on.

    So wherever you are in life take courage for the Lord, your Creator has called you by name. When you pass through the waters He will be with you; when you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched. Nor will the flame burn you. For He says ” I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD!”   (Isaiah 43: 1-3). You can do it, I know you can. For nothing is impossible with God.

 Read Isaiah 46: 3-4

  Father God, thank you for cheering us on. Help us not get so wrapped up in our own affairs we forget to cheer each other on.

by Becky Hutzel