Strengthening and Encouraging
Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling like you’ve been, well, beat up? Or stretched too far? I hope it is not often for you. Rather, I pray you are regularly encouraged to lean in and hear the strengthening and encouragement the Lord has for you.
Strengthening and encouraging. I was struck this week with the regularity with which we read these purposeful words in Acts 14 and 15 (emphasis added by me):
When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Acts 14.21-22
And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. Acts 15.32
And he (Paul) went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15.41
Encouraging and strengthening one another, that’s our job as followers of Jesus Christ! Not the only job, but a significant responsibility and blessing within the fellowship of believers.
The word encouragement means to come alongside. It is a gift of love, presence, and support.
Strengthening is to fortify, equipping for next things. Of course, we always acknowledge that it is not in our own strength, but that of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us! To strengthen means to reestablish. Don’t you love that? Helping another woman reestablish her solid footing because of the truths and assurances in God’s Word. Ahhh!
It seems to me that is a role each of us can take on this week in our spheres of friends, sisters, cousins, neighbors, and co-workers. Who will you encourage and strengthen this week? Pray for the opportunities God will put before you, to encourage and to be encouraged by another. It’s worth the effort, I promise.
Blessings, Colleen
P.S. Still time to register for our upcoming women’s retreat. All the details can be found by clicking the button below. I’m looking forward to our time together!
Comments