Daily EncouragementSample

What encouragement is available to the missionary who is cut off from his converts, far from churches which are dear to his heart and standing in need? He finds his encouragement in God. The work of salvation is the work of God - “he who began a good work in you . . . .” When writing these words Paul might have remembered that first Sabbath in Philippi by the riverside, when Lydia had responded to his message. He would have described that event as Luke did: “the Lord opened her heart . . . ” (Acts 16:14). And as others were added, the church was built up. Added by whom? Built up by whom? By God. The Lord will finish the work he has began - he “will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” “He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Heb. 7:25). When it comes to his Church, the Lord will not leave himself open to the ridicule which the builder in his own parable deserved: “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish” (Luke 14:28-29). The Lord will continue to involve his servant in his work. He will give him the privilege of prayer and a ministry of edification - at least by letter, and perhaps in person.