A Word from Rita - The Lord's Encouragement

The Lord’s Encouragement

by Rita Sullivan

“But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering,” Jude verses 20-22 NLT.

We walk in various “giving” roles, which may include being a stay at home mom, being on the PTA committee, being a lead person or supervisor at work. The roles might also extend into our church life and include being on the missions committee, choir member, children’s church teacher, serving in the nursery or being a greeter.  

It might seem at times as if we’ve given everything we have to give and there’s absolutely nothing left within us to give. Have you been there? I know I have at times through the years. When I have felt like this, I also have had thoughts, such as “I give and give and give, but who is going to give to me?”

“Is all of this really worth it?”

Have you been there? If so, I encourage you to look up for Jesus knows what you’re feeling. He’s heard your heart’s cry. He’ll send encouragement to help you walk in the roles He’s asked you to walk in. Do not be surprised when the encouragement He sends springs forth when you least expect it.

A co-worker might look at you one day and “out of the clear blue” simply thank you and walk away leaving you to wonder what you did to receive a thank you. That is the Lord’s encouragement.   

Your son, daughter or grandchild might be contentedly playing with toys in another room when they suddenly race into the room where you are and throw their arms around you and excitedly say, “I love you,” before racing back to the “toy” room - the Lord’s encouragement.

A brother or sister in the Lord might call or write you and say, “You’ve been in my thoughts for the past couple days. I wanted to touch base with you. How are you? Is everything all right?”  Again, the Lord’s encouragement.

These dear ones probably do not even realize how the Lord used their words and actions to build you up in your most holy faith. We might not fully grasp how our words and actions encourage another person’s most holy faith. However, I pray that as we walk daily with Christ, we will continue to reach out to encourage others with our words and actions. I pray the above scripture comes alive in our hearts as we reflect on those times when “unexpected encouragement” came our way and Who it was that sent it our way.

Not if, but when you reach a point of feeling depleted, do not worry or fret for the Lord’s encouragement is already on its way to build you up in your most holy faith. Selah!

A word from Rita is a monthly column, written by the Create in Christ team captain Rita Sullivan. Rita says, however, that she is only a co-captain. Christ is the Head Captain. CIC is His team.