encouragement

You ever had one of those days, weeks, months, or maybe even years....Where you ask yourself:  is anything going to work out? 

You know you have been there, lets face it we all have.  In times like those it's when you are able to look at your circle of family and friends for some encouragement.

Better yet, Look to your Heavenly Father for encouragement:

^13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. ^14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ^15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. ^16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, ^17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.  (2 Th 2:13-17., NIV)

1. He called you... or He chose you., its an old attaché, or adage, but God has called you for a specific purpose that is only for you.  He has equipped you for a perfect fit, a perfect match, and a perfect plan.  God has a unique share in the kingdom for you.  Sometimes our discouragement comes in the journey of trying to discover that share, that part, or that plan.  What He is doing in your life is part of the journey of discovery.  Now I hear you when you say or think you want it now.  I get that.
2. Stand firm.  The lessons in life that we learn along the way, help us to stand firm.  We are able to look back in times and see that God has brought us along through our journey.  Life is so full of mountain tops and valleys.  God wants us to stand firm in between the two.  Everything along the way is teaching us something.  Pay attention and learn the lessons. 
3. He will encourage and Give strength.  God always has a way of finding a way of encouraging us.  It could be by using His Word, it could be a soft voice in your prayer time, or He could use some people He has placed around you.  The point is this.  God has not left you, remember He promised He would not.  He will find little tidbits of ways to encourage you, if you pay attention.

I had a friend several years ago that shared this story with me:  He was really discouraged with something that was going on in his life.  So he had taken part of the day to just go somewhere and get away.  He had went to a local park that had a lake and some benches.  He sat there and prayed and asked God to give him a sign of some kind.  God responded in this way:  A little hummingbird flew up to him and they where nose to nose (well beak).  They sat and stared at each other for a few, then the hummingbird flew away.  My friend said that a peace and calmness came over him like he had never felt before.  My friend knew in that moment of time, God sent that hummingbird to Him to reassure Him that everything was going to be OK.

Remember this:  God chose you, stand firm, and He will encourage and give you strength.  Never be afraid to ask for a sign, and God will show you somehow (maybe even through a hummingbird) that He loves you and cares for you.

Have a blessed weekend... Chris