Today's promise: Overcoming
discouragement brings great blessing
Have you been able to
lift up a discouraged leader?
Commission Joshua and
encourage him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them
the land you now see before you.
Deuteronomy 3:28 NLT
Discouraged encourager
When people spoke with
Pastor Larry, they couldn't help feeling better about themselves. But the
community he worked in deteriorated. Many people left for better jobs and were
replaced by transient families with fewer skills. Schools and stores changed
overnight.
Larry felt alienated
in a community that once embraced his encouragement. He was ready to throw in
the towel. Then an elderly woman named Pearl visited him. "I've watched
you for nearly 10 years as you consoled, shepherded, and ministered to this
community. You've been an encouragement to everyone," she said.
"Then why are so
many people leaving and being replaced by individuals hostile to God's
Word?" Larry asked.
"God has brought
them to you to grow in your ministry," Pearl said. "I believe God
gifted you with an encouraging heart for a time such as this."
Larry thanked Pearl
for her honesty, then excused himself to go home. As he approached his house, a
family of three greeted him. "Thank you, Pastor," said the father.
"We've been to three other cities but never really felt at home till we arrived
here."
David Farr in God's
Men.
Adapted from Men of Integrity Devotional Bible with
devotionals by the editors of Men of Integrity magazine (Christianity
Today, Intl), Tyndale House Publishers (2002), p 209.
Don't be discouraged; it may be the last key
in the bunch that opens the door.
STONSIFER
STONSIFER
Content is derived
from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale
Publishing House
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