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WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Essential Element
I just returned from a Thurs. through Sat. ladies retreat held here in Germany with approximately 150 women from all over Europe attending. What a wonderful experience it was. We heard instructive and inspiring teaching and testimonies, enjoyed an international menu and were blessed with music that touched our hearts. It was a joy to see old friends and to make new ones. All these things combined to create an unforgettable weekend. One particular element became obvious: encouragement among Christian women is essential.
We are often prone to think we must accomplish everything on our own and that it is somehow a weakness or fault if we need other people. How foolish we are. We all need encouragement. In taking the time to fellowship, we can share how God has helped us through similar problems, exchange practical helps for everyday life, and express our love and concern for one another. This is a biblical concept they is often neglected.
When a lion stalks a deer, he watches and waits until one begins to wonder away from the others. It is perhaps ill or wounded or just confused. When it becomes isolated the lion moves in for the kill. We have an enemy that the Bible describes as a roaring lion. (1 Peter 5:8) When we isolate ourselves and have little or no fellowship with other sisters in Christ, it becomes easier for Satan to attack us through discouragement.
First Corinthians 1:4 says, "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Wherefore comfort yourselves together and edify one another, even as also ye do." The word "edify" means to build up or to strengthen. In 2 Corinthians, Paul talks about how the believers at Corinth refreshed the spirit of Titus.
We are all busy and it appears often in the area of over-commitment, yet it is imperative we not neglect the very things that help us stay strong and to keep our focus straight. "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fail, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 We need to be lifting one another up.
Another powerful benefit from good Christian fellowship is that of intercessory prayer. As we hear of the needs and burdens of others, we can pray for them thus sharing their load and entering into their ministries. What a privilege! The Bible urges us over and over to pray diligently for one another. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16a At the end of the ladies retreat we sang a song together that has a wonderful and urgent meaning. "When you pray, will you pray for me? For I need your love and your care."
Let me encourage each of you to take the time for fellowship with other believers. Invest in a card, a phone call, an e-mail or a visit to encourage, strengthen or comfort a sister. We need one another, and that is the plan of God for His children. The amazing thing about investing in someone else, you will be blessed.
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- Sandy Hastings |
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