Who encourages us most in this world? Is it those with little faith or who have the capacity to turn your day into a downer? Is it the entertainment world with its lust for lust? Is it the smell of rain on a spring day or the smell of a newborn baby? What is it that ultimately encourages you?
Recently it has been brought to my attention that the struggle between life and death can bring encouragement. Big Dave, a missionary I'm familiar with was shot at point blank range this past week by someone trying to steal the money he had gathered to buy materials to build an orphanage. As I write this blog entry, he is in very grave condition in a Miami hospital.
You probably think I'm crazy that I'm talking about this incident at the same time I'm talking about encouragement. Here's what I know. When Christians gather together in unity to pray for healing, strength and power, there is encouragement! There is encouragement in unity before our Heavenly Father.
I know I'm talking from the lips of someone who has been touched by the events of this week. I know that in the midst of all that swirls in our world each day, there is only one hope and that is Christ Jesus. You can toy with a thousand religions and talk a big talk about your personal philosophies, but Jesus is the ultimate truth. He is the only encouragement we need and quite frankly, he is the only true encouragement.
Take a long, tall drink of Jesus. You will find life in ways you could never imagine and hope in hopeless places. You'll find courage to do things you never thought you were capable of. Don't take my word for it. Who am I but an instrument to lead you there. Like me, you'll need to discover Him for yourself.
I encourage you to test the waters - taste and see that He is good.
