A Cup of Encouragement
Have you offered a cup of encouragement to someone recently?
With all of the dismal news lately, it can be easy to become discouraged. I can recall moments when I felt overwhelmed with circumstances and became discouraged. There was so much uncertainty in my life and I was learning to trust God in all things.
But offering a cup of encouragement? What exactly is encouragement?
The Visual Thesaurus describes encouragement as:
- the act of giving hope or support to someone
- the expression of approval and support
- the feeling of being encouraged
During a time of discouragement, I was so thankful to be on the receiving end of encouragement. I was shown support in many ways. A card in the mail with a message that I was not forgotten and was being prayed for gave me hope. A phone call or a simple hug was encouraging. Reading kind comments after spending time writing a blog post became a wonderful source of encouragement for me.
But I want to offer you a cup of encouragement that I find in the Bible.
Philippians 1:6 says:
“being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Let me remind you that Paul was writing this book of the Bible under inspiration from the Holy Spirit. He was in prison in Rome. His circumstances were far from perfect, I’d say. But here he is writing a letter to the believers in Philippi; reaching out to others when I’m sure it would be easy to understand if he felt depressed and discouraged.
But Paul knew something very important. He knew he was in God’s will and so he was able to reach out to others and to even pray with joy for the Philippians.
Paul was confident that God had a plan for his life, even if it involved imprisonment.
My life circumstances somehow don’t seem as huge when I get this. After all, God has a plan for my life too.
- I know there’s a purpose in my trials
- I know that God has His hand on my life
- I know that He who began a good work in me will complete it
I need to get my ‘self’ out of the way and …step out in obedience even though I may feel scared.
This is a cup of encouragement to me.
Will you receive this cup of encouragement for yourself?
“being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
And then turn around and remind someone else of this too. We all need to be reminded from time to time.
And don’t forget that a phone call or a hug or a card are always wonderful ways to offer a cup of encouragement to someone who is hurting or alone.
What about you? What ways do you offer a cup of encouragement?
Blessings and love,
This was a beautiful ‘encouraging’ devotion. Reminds me of something that was said @ the Women of Faith conference this past weekend-we should be convinced as Paul was (“confident” as he said in Phil.) that GOD is FAITHFUL, no matter what our circumstances! Because of Christ’ amazing grace, we are always safe, secure in Him, & lavished in God’s love!
We discussed encouragement at our ladies group last night – and how just recognising the work someone has quietly and faithfully been doing can hugely encourage them. That is my plan for this week – to go out of my way to recognise and thank those around me for their servanthood. Encouragement so often gets overlooked – but it can make such a difference in someone’s life. Great devotional – thank you 🙂
Jo
This was a great post Debbie! I too have known the wonder of encouragement when it is most needed, and it does seem as though the Lord has picked such a wonderful way to show His love for us through others. I do try to be encouraging wherever and whenever I can be. There is not a lot else I can really do in MANY circumstances, but I can pray and offer my encouragement. Have a wonderful day! HUGS, Debbie
Thank you for this reminder of encouragement. I am going through a time of trials and have felt very worn and weary. This is a great reminder that God is also encouraging me through this time.
I was at our Church’s girls group last night and we were teaching them the words that God wants from our tongues. They all chose encouraging words for each other when asked to write something to someone. It is amazing how at all ages we need that encouragement. I will definitely be seeking out people to encourage.
I’m glad you reminded me that it’s okay to be on the receiving end at times when we need it, especially now that I’m going through a tough time at work. It seems much easier to keep giving and when others want to give, it’s hard to receive. But in God’s economy, it is a never-ending blessing of love that keeps getting passed on. Friends like you who continue to encourage me and who continue to increase my faith because of yours, make me aware that I am not alone in this difficult journey. When friends share a grief or difficulty, it truly lightens the load in our hearts. Blessings to you sister.
Thank you for the reminder and encouragement today Debbie.
Thank you for Philippians 1:6! It is a verse I cling to! It is so encouraging to know (and be confident!) that God loves us and isn’t done with us!! I am welcoming His shaping hands in my life. Great post, Debbie!
Lovely message Debbie, thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Christen
http://www.theuncontainabletruth.com
I receive the cup of encouragement and I also pray I will pass it on.
I think I need to think more on Paul and his understanding that even prison was part of God’s plan. I too easily just ask to be removed from the struggle. Paul praised Him behind bars!
“I need to get my ‘self’ out of the way and …step out in obedience even though I may feel scared.” What a wonderful post Debbie. So important to encourage one another but more importantly realizing that God’s Word is a great source of encouragement for us!
Thank you Debbie for the beautiful cup of encouragement via your blog.
You are right, we can get discouraged, but knowing that He will continue to see us through all challenges.
Last night as I was getting ready, a thought popped in my head: there is beauty in my brokenness – I just have to find the beauty.
Love & peace,
Iris
Yes! Such a timely, wise post. Do we ever tire of encouragement? Does the world ever need less of it? No wonder we’re told: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” (2 Cor. 1:3-5)
Thank you, Debbie, for this cup of pre breakfast encouragement.
I’ve emptied it and drunk the words of Paul, feeling so relieved that God and not me is to fulfil the good work.
You know how the evil tries to remind me of all my flaws and failures all the time. It can to times become depressing and sad. But hallelujah; it’s God who shall fulfil the work in me, and he’ll never give up.
This tasted so well.
from felisol
Hi Debbie,
Everyone can use a daily dose of encouragement! 🙂 We need to to seek ways in which we can encourage one another as God encourages us. He chooses us to foster the well-being of each other; and likewise, I love to be encouraged! I am so blessed by the many wonderful posts of all my blogger friends; it’s encouraging! 🙂
Great post!
Blessings and hugs,
Denise
Thanks for such a wonderful, very truthful post.
I received a cup of encouragement this week from a friend. I really needed it and plan to pass the cup along. thanks for the cup of encouragement you provided me with tonight.
Beautiful Debbie, thank you for sharing this! I’m thankful that God encourages my heart and that He also sends people ever now and again, like you precious friend, to encourage my heart!
I love you and appreciate the reminder..
Thank you so very much for this touching piece. I really needed the encouragement today. I am feeling so sad and worn out not knowing what step to make. A little has been lifted off after reading this.