Encourage One Another
How strong is your faith? Have you ever been in a place in your life where you’re struggling and feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel?
I can honestly say that I have been there …recently.
It’s one thing to know in your head and your heart what is true. The Bible tells me that God loves me and cares about me. I believe that because I know that God is trustworthy.
But in my humanness, there have been moments when I’ve wondered ‘why Lord?’ and ‘have you forgotten me?’
I’m so grateful for my Christian sisters who’ve walked alongside of me and encouraged me when I become weary and my faith is wavering. They immediately spring into action, praying and speaking the truth of God’s Word.
A Christian sister sent me an email reminding me of God’s faithfulness and advising me to meditate on Hebrews 11:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”
Another sweet friend and sister encouraged me to not despair and reminded me that it’s His strength, not ours, that is made perfect in our weakness.
And as if that weren’t enough, another friend wrote me that I was being ‘coated in prayer’. How special is that? She reminded me of the following Scripture:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV)
What a blessing to be reminded of where to look when I become weary.
I was watching the New York City marathon on TV this past Sunday. The runners are truly amazing as they place one foot in front of the other for so many miles. I’m sure there are moments when it becomes almost unbearable but they continue on to the finish line. I love to see the people on the sidelines cheering the runners on.
That’s how I feel when my Christian sisters encourage me. I’m so thankful that I don’t have to live my Christian life in isolation.
Have you been encouraged and strengthened in your faith recently by another believer? Do you reach out to others who seem to be struggling?
Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Blessings and love,
This was such an uplifting post, Debbie. Thank you for being obedient to share what God has put on your heart. The Lord always brings the right people into our lives when we need them most to uplift us and encourage us.
Debbie…great piece. My son is reading through “Doing Hard Things” and what he is getting out of the book the most is that we all need others…no one is a island. God intended for us to be dependent on Him and each other. It is Satan that makes us isolated so he can come in for the kill.
I have gone through some years of isolation and the attacks were almost fatal, but God was victories and would send the encouragement when I felt I was going under…maybe from humans and maybe from just Him.
I think this blogging world is one of the biggest weapons against going it alone…no matter where you live or your circumstances there is someone who will encourage you through the journey through this blogsphere.
I am so glad you have been encouraged in your journey and I am so thankful for the encouragement I have also received through the blogging world…I never could have imagined.
Blessings on your new adventure.
Hey Debbie, though I don’t know the details of your particular struggle right now, I recognize the place you are in. I have been there myself and in fact I have a dear friend who is walking through despair right now. I see it on her face, the feeling that every bit of strength you ever had is gone, like walking through quicksand, even doing the simplest thing requires more effort than you have. So, I want to tell you that I am lifting you both up in prayer. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is all of us, waving you throught it with our prayers. You are dearly loved by God and He will see you through! Lori
I have been encouraged by so many through their prayers and support. I like the image here of pressing on.
Love ya,
Bethany
So often this past year it’s been just one kindness to the next that has kept me going. So many encouraging words are needed just to compensate for a few cruel ones, yet God provides just enough of them to keep me from utter despair. You are a dear and lovely sister and I know that God will finish the faith walk He has authored in your life.
I agree with what you’ve said, Debbie. I really
feel the love and encouragement that has come
from all the kind and caring blogging community.
The Word tells us that we are to bear each
others burdens and fulfill the law of Christ.
And as Janette said, we are using a powerful
weapon in blogging to defeat the depression
and discouragement from the enemy of our souls.
Hugs,
Sandy
Whatever you are going through, He is faithful in His promises…To never leave us nor forsake us. To be with us the whole time we are going through these trials. And to give us that victory no matter what circumstances we are facing. For He had overcome the world…God bless and protect you sister Debbie. And how precious these friendships He bestowed on us.
Dear friend Debbie, you have once again opened up your heart and shared your struggles along with what God is doing in them, and I am so blessed by this. You are so real, not sugar-coating what you struggle with, and this helps those of us who also struggle. (That would be ALL of us!) I have a few dear sisters here where I live that help and support me in prayer and friendship, and I am so thankful that God has broadened that in giving me Christian sister in the blogging community.
I am struggling right now with blogging time, because I am blessed with watching our grandchildren and that is filling many of my days. I have written a few blog posts, but I really miss visiting blogs such as yours. My first priority is time with the Lord and I am asking Him in prayer to help me juggle my time and give him glory. The best thing is, He will help me do this!
Thank you, Debbie, for YOUR encouragement, and for sharing how God has encouraged you thorugh blog friends.
Love and blessings,
Laurie
I cannot tell you how many times I was struggling in my emotions and receive an encouraging email, phone call, card in the mail, etc. I love the women who God has hand-picked to surround me with love and encouragement during my hard season. You are a blessing to me!
and Debbie… you are one of those same kind of sisters to so many of us. There is a genuine fellowship among blogging women of like mind and hearts, and some we become fast friends with!
I’m so glad for each of your blogging sisters and the encouragement they are to you. Believe me, each one gets back in double measure from you!
Love you!
Thank you for your encouraging words. We have both been walking much of the same path these couple of years. I do not know what I would do with the Lord and my sister friends…like you. God bless you.
I don’t know how people make it without encouragement from their brothers and sisters in the Lord. That is why it is so important to reach out to someone when the Holy Spirit prompts you with a person’s name. You might be the very instrument God uses to keep that person “pressing on.”
God bless you!
What a heartfelt post! There’s just nothing like our Christian friends to hold us up, encourage us on, lift us to the Father and divide our burdens and griefs.
So hoping that the days ahead will bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. Hugs!
Praise the Lord for the people He has hand picked to life me up with Words on encouragement to press on during difficult times. I know that the caring words of concern and love are an extension of God’s written love note to me.
Be strengthened in Him Debbie:)
What a great reminder to encourage one another. The road of life can get exhausting and it is good to have fellowship with other believers.
Love you, Debbie and praying for you.
Christ taught us to love one another…and one of the best ways to do that is through encouragement! Thank you for sharing the blessing of how your Christian sisters have helped you through difficult days! God is good!
Living for Him, Joan
Thank you for sharing this encouraging post Debbie. I’m so grateful that God has people in place to encourage us along the way.