Monday January 19
Life Changing Encouragement
Scripture: John 16:33
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Reflection:
Encouragement is an essential part of our relationships with the people in our lives. Everyone needs encouragement in this life to fulfill the God given purpose and destiny in Christ. When you give encouragement, you literally sow into the soil of a person’s life and help them to move past barriers and obstacles. The encouragement that we offer as believers differs from that which is offered by people in the world because it is based on speaking the Word of God. Speaking the Word is life-giving and life-changing. One word from the Lord can lift a person to new heights. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once spoke to a group of students concerning the question: What is your life’s blueprint? He challenged them to believe in your dignity and commit to a determination of excellence. Recently, after a crushing season ending defeat a young, first year head coach entered the press conference to respond to questions from reporters. Toward the end of the session, a courageous reporter stood and addressed the coach, “I just want to tell you congratulations on your success, young man…
You hold your head up, alright? You guys have had a most magnificent season. You did a great job out there today. So you just hold your head up, OK?” The coach responded to her powerful encouragement with amazement and deep appreciation. With tears in his eyes, he responded “yes ma’am, yes ma’am, thank you ma’am.” There was silence in the room amd the coach left with his head held high. Jesus gave the ultimate encouragement to believers in John 16:33 when He declared “in Me you may have peace.” In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jesus encouraged His believers that they would face tribulations but to take heart because He has conquered anything they could face in the world. Therefore, be encouraged and be an encourager because Jesus has conquered all and so can you.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank you for being my savior and ultimate encourager. Your salvation and encouragement have changed my life. Because You have overcome the world, I live a victorious life and commit to being an encourager of others as I follow You. Amen.
