THE FAITH THAT ENCOURAGES OTHERS
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you.
Ephesians 1:15-16a (NLT)
Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch woman who helped Jews escape during the Holocaust of World War II. She was eventually caught and sent to a concentration camp, and later recounted the terrible living conditions. Hundreds were crowded into buildings far too small for their numbers, and the rags they were given to function as mattresses were filled with fleas. Corrie was understandably repulsed, but her sister told her to thank God for the fleas because He placed them there for a reason. Over time, Corrie and her sister were able to do Bible studies and share the Gospel with others in the camp, which was obviously forbidden, but only because the guards never entered their housing area due to the fleas.
Stories hold the power to create or destroy, the power to build up or tear down. Our world is so full of negativity that we have to fight to notice the positive. If you've read all of Paul's letters in the New Testament, you've probably noticed how often he corrects and rebukes rather than encourages. Verses like Ephesians 1:15-16 are a breath of fresh air, an opportunity to celebrate that God's Spirit is moving and working in the world around us.
Do you notice the strong faith in the people around you? Do you celebrate it? Do you allow that to build up your faith, rather than allow the negativity to tear it down? Each of us is an example of faith that can help those around us or hurt them. Let's be people who encourage those around us with our words and our faith today!
APPLICATION: Can you think of someone whose faith inspires you? Meet them for coffee, give them a call, or shoot them a text so you can encourage and thank them, like Paul encouraged the Ephesians. Celebrate how you've seen the Spirit work in others!
PRAYER: God, thank You for the people in my life who follow You and live admirably. Give me eyes to see more of these people so You can further encourage me. Grow my faith and help me to walk with You so my faith may encourage others. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?