Encouragement — The Voice of Victory

Encouragement is such a powerful thing. God’s Word states, But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called Today, so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13

This verse reminds us that one of our duties as a Christian is to constantly encourage other believers. I have learned how very important that is in a whole new way these past two years. My husband has been a great encouragement to me during an extended crisis that has included health issues. When Steve didn’t know what to do, he faithfully prayed over me and for me every morning and every night. His prayers spoke God’s Truth into my life whether I could receive it or not. My children were faithful to speak words of love and encouragement into my life as well, especially when I believed the lies the enemy threw my way.

Over my life I have found great comfort during difficult days in the encouragement of friends and family. God is always faithful, no matter what we face in life, and His faithfulness shone through many times in the form of words from another; whether on paper (cards or emails), in person, or over the phone. God’s touch through His children upon another’s life brings Him glory as we recognize that the God of the universe cares about our details so much that He would send someone to encourage us. He tells us many times in His Word to encourage one another. This life we live can be difficult and we can develop hardened hearts by the sin we see and hear about everyday. Encouragement is a very valid way to oppose this process. Encouragement isn’t only about compliments rather it can be a myriad of things such as:

Speaking God’s Truth into the life of another by sharing Scripture. Sometimes we need to be reminded of His Truth even though we know it!
Speaking words of affirmation to another. Look for and share the positives you see in a person’s life. Focus on what God is doing through that person.
Speaking of your love for God by praising Him as you speak of the weather, creation, or what is happening in your day.
Giving testimony of God’s goodness in your own life. I ran into an old friend once and had the blessing of walking away joyful. It wasn’t because of what she said about me or my family rather it was because she was so in love with the Lord.
A big hug, smile or pat on the back just because can do wonders for each of us.

So, I encourage you to follow God’s lead today and choose encouragement in your marriage, family, and friendships. I challenge you to allow God to be the voice of victory through you in another’s life today.It doesn’t take much time to write a note, leave a phone or text message, extend an invitation, or send an email to someone around you. If each of us did this regularly, think how it would impact our homes, our relationships, our church and our community.

Encouraging others doesn’t come naturally to me. Besides praying and asking God to grow me in this way, I also read, The Blessing, Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance by John Trent and Gary Smalley.

In His Love,

Lori Merrill