1 Thess 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Yesterday, I went with my church’s youth to a ropes course. No big deal, except I’m afraid of heights. Seriously afraid. I almost backed out as I was climbing the ladder for the first obstacle, but I knew several of the youth were apprehensive too, and I knew I couldn’t very effectively encourage them to face their fears if I was unwilling to face my own.
Romans 1:12 …that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
I’m not going to lie. That course was the most difficult thing I’ve done in a long time. The first several obstacles were accompanied by my fervent prayer of “Please, Jesus. Please, Jesus. Please, Jesus.” But as I learned to breathe, to trust, to take that first step in faith, to listen to and believe the encouragement of the group, the task did not necessarily become easier, but it definitely became more bearable, more doable. Thank you, Jesus.
Eph 4:29 …Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for the lessons that so many of us learned during yesterday’s outing. Thank You for the ability to uplift and encourage others and for the inherent uplifting and encouragement that we receive when we give it to others. Thank You that love and support from others makes life not necessarily easier but definitely more bearable and more doable. Help us always to encourage each other and lift each other up. Help us point each other to you and shine your light. Draw us closer. Amen.
Phil 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Have a blessed day.