A Bit of Encouragement For Those Who Need It
by Daniel Burton
2018 has not started out how I was hoping it would. Its been tough. And as I look down the street of 2018, some challenges lay ahead as well. I started off this year hoping for new adventures amidst the changes that lay ahead, but completely neglected to consider that changes involve stretching and forging paths into the unknown. Adventure can be fun but the journey can often be tiresome along the way. Now, I found myself tired and in need of encouragement.
However, I look around me and see some of the most incredible people in my life with the same type of fatigue. These are people from all walks of life that inspire me to some degree or I am incredibly grateful for their presence. To be honest, it is weird to see your heroes fatigued and it is weirder to see people look to you for strength when you don’t even feel you have it together. But I think this is what it means to be the body of Christ, supporting one another in the love of God when we need it the most and to borrow strength from one another. Everyone, it seems, needs borrowed strength from one another regardless of position, place, or power.
This post is written with some people in mind and I hesitate to to say who in fear that I would miss someone. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about the people that God has placed in my life that have been a source of inspiration, comfort, and encouragement. I am blessed. Truly blessed. But for today, no matter how tired I may feel, this is a time to lend strength and encouragement to those who need it the most.
You Are More Than Your Work
We see all the hard work you are putting in to what God has set before you. This isn’t to put down your work. God, though, views you are more than your strength and ability but as a dearly loved creation whom He is eager to be in relationship with you. Despite the potential for set-back or failure in what we do, our identity is etched in stone in Jesus Christ, by the hand of God. No test, score, time, or outcome will be able to change the love that God has for you.
God Holds Your Future
Change is scary, even if we are excited by it. Adventures can be wrought with danger and the unknown, but they are adventures none the less. And God will never leave us to wander on your own. There will always be a place for you to return home and you will always have friends and people on your side. We are the body of Christ together, brothers and sisters, forever.
Your Difficulties Will Pass
At the end God is already reigning supreme. There is no power strong enough to overtake the High King of Heaven and all opposition has already been defeated. Facing set-backs, troubles, pains, medical issues, or anything else? We stand with you until that time when we will see our Savior face to face. No trouble or difficulty is stronger than our rich, sovereign Lord.
You Mean A Great Deal to A Great Deal Of People
Everyone feel stranded from time to time or unloved. But is only a foolish attempt of the devil to divide the body of Christ. You are loved immensely. Even during the times you may not feel it, you mean a great deal to people. You inspire those who did even know you had an influence on. But even beyond the people, you were worth a God coming as a man and dying on a cross. This was not earned and could never be earned. But it is love that drives a King to this position. Stand firm in the love that God has for you.
Everyone, absolutely everyone, needs community and support. For those who have strength, we can share with those who do not. And, in the end, we rest in the source of our strength being solely from Jesus Christ. We find our peace, our joy, our identity, and our satisfaction in Him.
For all who need encouragement today, persevere in the Lord. Continue to chase our Lord and He will continually draw you closer into his arms.
For all who have strength, reach out to three people today. Pray for them and encourage them in the faith.
