Today’s post comes to you from Madeleine, a 24 year-old Swiss Theology student. Her message about the power of encouragement is one we all need to hear! I pray these words would resonate in your heart today. Thank you, Madeleine, for being an honored guest on Still Waters!
Want to make a difference? Encourage someone!
Every year before Christmas, my hometown organizes a run through the city. The streets are beautifully decorated at that time of the year. When I was a child, I participated in the youngest category and we had to run one kilometer, about 0.6 miles.
My best friend and I were waiting at the starting point and when we heard the sign to run, we gave everything. We ran as fast as we could and we overtook a lot of the other kids. It felt amazing! We felt like we could conquer the world! A lot of people were standing right and left of the track cheering us kids on.
But in the middle of the route, I got tired….
So I stopped running and started walking, watching the other kids overtake me.
When I stopped running, the viewers on both sides were cheering me on saying, “Come on! Run! You can do it! It’s not that far!”
Remember the last time someone encouraged you? How did it feel and how did you benefit from it? Did you see the difference it makes?
I like how Larry Crabb defines encouragement:
“Encouragement is the kind of expression that helps someone want to be a better Christian, even when life is rough.”
Encouragent so important! We all need encouragement! When was the last time you encouraged someone?
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who live it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21
Your words give life or death.
Use your words to change someone else’s situation. God gave you so much power to influence and speak into people’s lives. Go out and speak positive words over someone else’s circumstances. Lift up others on a bad day, tell your loved ones how they mean to your life, pay honest compliments, etc.
Genuine words can change everything.
Back then, at that run through my hometown, I needed those people to lift me up. After the encouragement from so many viewers, I felt the energy come back into my legs and I started running again. And finally, I reached the finish line!
But what are we to do when we need encouragement and there is no one else around to rely on for strength?
- Spend time with the Lord. He is your first source for encouragement! Tell Him honestly you need Him to help you. Trust God that He will provide for you.
- Encourage yourself. John Maxwell once said that he is his own best encourager. Find out what helps you to stay on track and move forward.
- Another important thing to do is encourage others. Help someone else. Develop an outlook for the needs of others. Consequently, when you need someone to cheer you up, they will probably remember what you did for them and be there for you.
So, what is hindering you from encouraging others? I encourage you to take a look within and choose to speak life in every situation.
Madeleine Ramstein is a 24-year-old theology student from Switzerland. As Christian blogger it is her passion to write, study the Bible & help people realize their potential and purpose within the context of God’s Kingdom.
Blog: Mylampblog.com
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