The Power of Encouragement
Years ago, my husband and I were seeking God’s will for our lives. We felt the Lord calling us to ministry, but we needed His confirmation. We prayed and asked for advice from our community. They helped us determine what path we should follow.
“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Pray for Guidance
Now, these same people are members of our support group; they still pray for us and help us seek God's will. This is one of the reasons God gave us family and friends -- to support one another!
Success with Godly Advice
God tells us in Proverbs: "Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success" (Proverbs 15:22). We knew we couldn't do anything good or well without God's help, guidance, and blessing. And God often uses godly friends and family to speak His guidance into our lives.
Help from Your Friends
When starting out in any spiritual task or mission, it is a blessing to have a group to support you. "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). When life’s troubles get you down, your believing friends can help you get back on track. Their prayers, advice, and encouragement can be God's answer to your prayers for help.
Prayer, Care, and Share Jesus
“The Power of God Working Through a Group of People”
Luke 10:17-21
Chapter 10 of Luke’s Gospel describes Jesus sending his 70 followers to every town and place where He was about to go. They were astonished and overjoyed at how God worked through them, and could not wait to share it with Jesus and the others. Jesus was so full of joy through the Holy Spirit and praised His Father!
We can experience joy like this as well. When ordinary believers live out their faith by praying and caring for others, and sharing Jesus with them, God can use them to bring people into His kingdom, and they too will have amazing stories to tell!
This week we encourage you to share with others what God has been doing through you. Share your God stories with a small group at your office, church or home. If you don’t have a group like this, look for a few people who can gather for mutual encouragement, accountability and prayer.
Taking part in a group like this stretched me to go from silent prayer to bold, loving prayer for people in need – even strangers.
Pray this week:
That by His grace, you will stimulate your friends to love and good deeds.
How can you start applying Hebrews 10:24-25 to your life? If you need ideas, talk to a Christian who can help you learn to be encouraging!
Learn About Encouragement