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Encouragement

…if it is encouraging, let him encourage … let him do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:8

One day a man vacationing in the Bahamas noticed a big crowd gathered at the end of the pier. As he got closer he observed someone preparing for a solo journey around the world in a tiny homemade boat. Without exception everybody was telling him all the things that could go wrong. Suddenly the man felt an irresistible urge to offer some encouragement. So as the little boat drifted toward the horizon he began jumping up and down shouting, "Go for it! You can make it! We’re proud of you!" This man had what we need more of - the gift of encouragement. We need fewer critics and more cheerleaders: those who see over the heads of the nay-sayers and shout to someone launching out in faith "Go for it! You can make it! We’re proud of you!" Aren’t you glad certain visionaries refused to listen to the crowd on the pier? That: a) Luther refused to back down b) Michelangelo kept painting c) Lindbergh kept flying d) Papa Ten Boom said ‘Yes’ to frightened Jews. Next time you see somebody responding to the call of Christ, "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets" (Luke 5:4), don’t join the fear-spreaders and tell them about the great storms but join the faith-spreaders and tell them about the great catches. Shout, "Go for it," and then commit yourself to pray for their success. When you do, you’re exercising the gift of encouragement. Listen: "We all have different gifts … Whoever has the gift of encouraging others should encourage" (Romans 12:6-8).

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be more of an encourager to those in my family, work, church, friends, and anywhere else you place me! In Jesus’ Name, Amen