Sharing Your FaithSample

Sharing Brings Encouragement

Do you find yourself making comparisons with others? If so, has that made you feel inadequate, useless, or even unworthy? Please know you are not alone. After being a Christian for almost fifty years, those feelings overwhelmed me to the point I cried out to God for answers.

Instead of my usual drive to Cincinnati, I flew to visit our granddaughter, who was pregnant with her first child. At the time, she was working in a hair salon. So, I asked if she would put color on my hair. With my head laid back in the sink, waiting for the color to take, random thoughts flitted through my mind, and I began praying earnestly: “Lord, testimonies have been given and written about people who get on an airplane, begin talking to the person next to them, and lead them to Christ. Not me. It’s a miracle if the person next to me even looks my way, much less engages in a conversation. I’ve never knowingly led anyone to Christ, and I’m feeling pretty discouraged about that.”

The Holy Spirit said this: “You are an encourager.”

So encourage each other and build each other up, Just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT

Those words lifted my spirit and made me realize that God has gifts for all of us, no two the same. From that moment, my attitude changed. I’ve been more willing to share my story to encourage others.

You may not be an encourager, but God has given a gift or gifts for you to use to further His kingdom. Don’t be afraid to share those gifts with others.

Prayer:

Lord, whenever I feel inadequate or compare myself to others, help me remember that the gifts You’ve given me are different from those You’ve given others. Whether it’s to speak a word about salvation, a word of encouragement, or lend a listening ear, use me for Your plans. I am so thankful to be Your child, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do you want to go the extra mile?

• If there’s someone you know who has a need, pick up the phone and call. Let them know how special they are to you.
• Spend time listening to them. Offer a short prayer to uplift and encourage them.
• Write about it in your journal. Ask the Holy Spirit to tell you if there are other people in your world who need encouragement. Write down their names and make some time to reach out to them.