“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)
CHALLENGE
Write a note of encouragement for someone you may not often offer encouragement to, letting them know that what they do is appreciated and does not go unnoticed, or who they are is not taken for granted.
PREPARATION
- Praise God for who He is
- Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
- Allow His Spirit to draw you near
- Listen as He speaks to you
REQUESTS
- God would place on our hearts the names of people who need to be encouraged today.
- That we would not underestimate the power of even the simplest form of encouragement.
- We would feel the encouragement Christ has given us (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10)
- We would find opportunities to live a life of encouragement.
THANKSGIVING
- Thank God for hearing you.
- Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will.
OPTIONAL READINGS
- Hebrews 10:25
LIFE STORY
When I read 1 Thessalonians 5:11, I remember all the ways I have been encouraged. We all know that encouragement can come in different forms, but the most encouraging gift I ever received was the tears of the friends I made on my missions trip to Brazil when we were saying goodbye. Those tears were the most genuine thankfulness and appreciation that I have ever experienced. They showed me that what I did for them while I was there truly did impact their lives. Remembering those simple tears always encourages me to continue doing God’s work and serving others despite how difficult it might be.
I also think about the notes of encouragement I have received, many of which I have kept and often reread when I need to be encouraged or challenged to do better with my life. I doubt that the people who wrote those notes know that I have kept them this long or the impact they’ve had. Its easy to forget the impact a few simple words can have.
I find encouragement can be easy to give, but still I often struggle to know how best to give it. The best way I’ve learned to be an encouragement to others is to live a life of encouragement where everything I do would somehow encourage or help those close to me. I pray that we can all find ways to better live selfless lives of encouragement that will impact those around us in ways we may never know.
Contributed by: Alyssa Cober