"So encourage each other and build each other up,
just as you are already doing (1 Th. 5:11).”
We all thrive on praise and
encouragement. It motivates us and brings out the best in us. Encouragement is
like oxygen to the soul. We tend to become what the most important people in
their lives think we can become. Encouragement can be given in various forms –
listening (Jas.1:19), empathy (Rom.12:15), comfort (2 Cor.1:3-4) and words of appreciation.
Jesus – the Great Encourager
EXAMPLE 1: Paul had been ministering
in Corinth with good results but also with much opposition. Jesus appears to
Paul at night through a dream to encourage him.
Acts
18:9-10. One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid;
keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to
attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." NIV
"Keep it up and don't let
anyone intimidate or silence you. No matter what happens, I'm with you and no
one is going to hurt you. You have no idea how many people I have on my side in
this city." [The Message Bible]
Result?
Paul stayed in Corinth for 18 months and established a flourishing church and
reached out to the surrounding regions of Achacia (2 Cor.1:1).
EXAMPLE 2: Paul has been arrested in
Jerusalem because of his witness about the Lord Jesus. There is much opposition
and antagonism directed at him by the religious leaders and the Jewish people.
Jesus appears again to Paul at night to encourage him.
Acts
23:11. The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take
courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify
in Rome." NIV
"It's going to be all right.
Everything is going to turn out for the best. You've been a good witness for me
here in Jerusalem. Now you're going to be my witness in Rome!" [The
Message Bible]
Result?
Paul went on to preach the gospel in Rome. God preserved him from a death plot,
shipwreck, imprisonment and many other difficulties. He finished his course well.
EXAMPLE 3: Paul had finally made it
to Jerusalem, barely escaping losing his life and was now on the way to Rome as
a prisoner on board a ship (Acts 27). Just to make things worse, they
encountered very bad weather and lost a lot of time. Despite Paul's warning of
further disaster, they kept sailing and were hit by a terrible storm, which
caused the ship to lose control. Luke records that "it had been many days
since we had seen either sun or stars. Wind and waves were battering us
unmercifully and we lost all hope of rescue."
Acts
27:23-24. Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood
beside me and said, `Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before
Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' NIV
"Don't give up Paul. You're
going to stand before Caesar yet – and everyone sailing with you is also going
to make it." [The Message Bible]
As
a result, Paul was able to encourage the other 276 passengers and bring them
all to safety after 14 nights in the deep. Once on land, Paul was bitten by a
snake but miraculously, was not harmed! The father of the main leader on the
island, Publius, was sick and Paul prayed for him and he was healed. This
resulted in everyone on the island who was sick coming to Paul and being healed
as well as hearing the good news of Jesus Christ.
Lessons:
1. Life and Ministry
can be both fulfilling and challenging (frustrating)!
This is a FACT! There will be times
of pressure. There will be storms, obstacles and opposition. God is building
His church and it involves a spiritual battle (Mt.16:18-19; 11:12). Expect it
and don't let it surprise you or stop you. Get used to it but don't be afraid.
Don't allow other people, opposition or difficult circumstances to intimidate
you or cause you to be quiet.
Matt
16:18-20. Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build
my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you
the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you lock on earth will be locked in
heaven, and whatever you open on earth will be opened in heaven." NLT
Matt
11:12-13. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven
has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. NIV
2. Perseverance
is essential.
Jesus tells Paul to keep it up. Speak and do not be silent.
Don't stop. Never quit. You're doing the right thing. Keep at it. Just keep
going, doing what God has told you to do. Don't give up. Don't quit. Don't
throw in the towel. God is with you, so keep on going. You will make it if you
just hold on.
Some things need to be continually
done – over and over again.
Gal 6:9-10.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good
to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. NIV
1 Cor
15:58. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always
give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor
in the Lord is not in vain. NIV
3. God
is in control.
God wants us to have an assurance
that everything will be all right! He wants us to take courage – to not fear or
doubt. Though everything around you seems to be falling apart, remember, God is
in control. Nothing happens to you without God being aware of it and permitting
it to happen. He is working out all things for an ultimate purpose. His
promises are faithful and true.
Rom 8:28.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose. NIV
No matter what happens, God is with you. He will never leave
you. He is working with you, in you and through you. We are co-workers (partners)
with God as we build the church. We can be assured of victory because He is
with us. He will not let us fail or fall. He will uphold and strengthen us.
God promises that you WILL get to Rome. You will reach the
destiny He has for you. His word to you will come to pass. He will protect you. The storm won't stop you. You will
make it through. God is in control. Your life is in His hands. You'll make it –
you won't fail or fall. God is working all things together for your ultimate
good that His purpose might be achieved.
4. God
is pleased with faithful obedience.
If you’re doing what God asked you
to do with the best of your ability, know that He is pleased with you and your
efforts. You've done a good job. God is proud of you. You're learning, growing
and applying yourself. You're doing great! Don't minimise what you've done or
how well you're doing. God is pleased with you.
Matt 25:21. "His
master replied, 'Well done , good and faithful servant! You have been faithful
with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your
master's happiness!' NIV
Heb 6:10. God is not
unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you
have helped his people and continue to help them. NIV
5. The
best is yet to come!
Live with a sense of anticipation. You’ll do a better job
yet. God’s purpose for you will be fulfilled. You'll reach your destination.
It'll happen because God has planned it and ordained it. There is more yet to
be done. You haven't arrived. God has greater things for you to do. There’s
more, much more.
Keep a positive optimistic attitude about the future. There
are many good things ahead. Your work is not in vain, but will bring a great
harvest. There will be a reward for your work. There are "many
people" in the city that will come to me. Everything will turn out for the
best. Have a positive attitude of faith and hope about the future.
Jer. 29:11.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. NIV