The Power of Encouragement

I spent three hours on the phone yesterday with Bill, the tech support guy from our internet provider. My email hadn’t been working for several days. I’d already spent 45 minutes with another tech person, and the problem hadn’t been resolved. I felt my blood pressure rising. I watched the minutes tick away into hours while Bill figured out the problem. Finally a box popped open on my computer screen. Congratulations! If I could have hugged Bill, I would have!

What struck me about our long conversation was Bill’s steady, calm approach. I realize that’s his job, but still . . . three hours trying to unravel some woman’s email dilemma? That’s extraordinary. He never once sounded impatient or frazzled–just determined to get the job done.

Bill didn’t know that in addition to fixing my email, he’d given me the gift of encouragement. Computer issues, though not the end-all be-all, can be overwhelming for those of us who are technically challenged. Hearing Bill’s calm voice kept me from a melt-down.

Through the years, I’ve been the grateful recipient of countless gifts of encouragement from friends and even strangers like Bill. It seems they come at exactly the right moment. When Randy’s alcoholism spiraled out of control, a friend wrote me: Oh, Deb, how I long to wipe your tears, to put a present of hope in your heart, to help you sense God’s arms around you and Randy. I pray that Jesus will show you what to do one step-at-a-time and that you will see His power overcome ALL. 

My friend didn’t see God’s gracious answers to her prayers. We lost touch when I moved away almost 20 years ago. I received hope to continue on in my marriage and wisdom to navigate uncharted territory. I witnessed God’s power to help Randy overcome his addiction. We experienced healing and forgiveness for the pain and heartache. I can only imagine where I’d be today without these faithful messengers of encouragement. Because of my friend’s example and many others, I am inspired to also be a giver of encouragement.

Here are three obstacles to becoming an encourager:   

Self-centeredness

I so easily get caught up in myself and my needs. In order to be encouragers, we have to get beyond ourselves. We need to consider others—the friend who would love a phone call or visit, the note we could write or some other act of kindness we can offer.

Complacency

I get distracted by majoring on minor issues (like computers!) instead of looking at God’s greater plan. What can I do today to make a difference? To whom is God calling me to offer support and encouragement?

Ungratefulness

I need to be reminded that I’m right where I need to be in my family, my community, my job. I am God’s hands and feet right here right now. For this, I am grateful. I pray that we can recognize opportunities to touch others’ lives.

Mother Teresa, always an inspiration to me, said: Keep giving Jesus to your people, not by words, but by your example.

Thank you, God, for the people who have encouraged me. Their example motivates me to do the same.

Don't let the three obstacles of being an encourager get the best of you! @Grit_Grace @DebKalmbach
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