Yesterday, I learned of the passing of an encourager. You know the type. Encouragers always have a smile on their face and a twinkle in their eye. When they share what they have been up to their words are filled with gratitude. They see ways to be thankful in the most challenging of situations. When they unpackage their trials with others, their stories are so filled with God’s grace and provision you almost miss the adversity that was central to the tale.
In the past 8 months there have been three such encouragers that God has called home. These saints are the heavy lifters in the faith. They are the ones that so encourage others around them, that people begin to really believe they can accomplish huge things, because these encouragers bear witness to the goodness and power of God. I can’t help but wonder if Satan rejoices when these encouragers are taken home, because then it is just discouragers voices that take center stage and when that happens ministries falter and grow weary. It is hard to thrive when the voices of discouragers dislodge our confidence in God and His promises. Encouragers are the people that God can use to remind us that He has a plan and that He will use us and provide for us.
Friends, if you have lost an encourager in your life I challenge you to pick up their mantle and become the encourager that they have been in your life. Losing just one encourager this side of heaven it is like losing 10 people on a football team, because encouragers do not just dispense encouraging words their lives are a testimony of God’s power. Encouragers are often God’s conduit for providing confidence, vision and victory during dark times.
“Dear Lord, help us to be encouragers in the lives of all those you put in our midst. May we reflect you well Lord, in this world that is in desperate need of hope and encouragement. We love you Lord and thank you for the privilege of being light bearers in the dark world. We love you Jesus. Amen.”
“ When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV
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