Encouragement - Part I

My desire in starting this site was to encourage ladies in the Lord, and for each of us (including myself) to draw closer to the Lord. I must be honest, as I look around, many ladies are in need of encouragement. I need encouragement from time to time...more often than not.

I want you to think about the following:

You are facing the worst day(s), but you put up a brave front and smack a fake smile on your face. You are crying (on the inside), staggering under heavy burdens, BUT you don't let anyone know.

Have you ever been there? I have been there...A LOT! Why do we not share those times we are facing with others? Personally, I believe it's P-R-I-D-E! Pride! How do I know? Pride is what keeps me from sharing and asking for prayer and strength through those difficult times.

Ladies, we are to encourage one another. Encouragement comes in many different forms. Here are a few ways we may give or even receive encouragement:

- a little compliment ("You look so nice today"; "That color looks so good on you")

- an unexpected present (not just for a special occasion)

- a card

- a phone call just to say "I'm thinking of and praying for you"

- a hug

Encouragement is ALWAYS welcomed, even when we feel we are on a mountaintop, right?

If you were having a really bad day, what one thing would help turn things around for you? Now, don't be looking for some 'big' answer...encouragement can come and most often comes in small packages.

(It's Your Turn)

Now it's time for you to think of some ways you've been encouraged. Have you made your list? I sure hope so.

I am going to share some ways I am encouraged.

1. Precious Promises

The encouragement we need is already ours because they come from God's own Hand. Even if everyone else let's us down and isn't there to encourage us during our difficult times, the Lord will provide for our every need--even the need for encouragement.

Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus"

The Bible should be our main source of encouragement. No matter what may be discouraging us, the Bible is filled with precious promises to help us through. Though our circumstances may change, God's power remains.

Here are just a few of the precious promises I often turn to when I need encouragement:

Ps. 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble"

Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me"

II Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind"

Ps. 18:2 "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."

Ps. 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"

(It's Your Turn)

I just shared a FEW of my favorite verses that encourage me. I would like for you to take some time to write out some verses that bring encouragement to you. (You'll need these later on in our study).

Next posting we'll look at the the Power of Prayer!