Encouragement

I was praying this morning and as usual my mind hit on a thought and went down a wandering trail, this way and that way, each thought prompting another thought related to the first. And on it went.

I thought about God being our Source for all we need which led to praying for a friend who is fighting against a diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer.

I thought about all the encouragement he and his family have received during this journey.

I thought of my BIL who also is also fighting against Stage 4 cancer, who also has received much encouragement from family and friends.

My thoughts then turned to those who are fighting their own difficult journey, but all alone, without any kind of encouragement.

How many suffered alone during Covid? Not a wife, mother or child could be with them. Truly that must have been hard.

But then I realized that, for those of us who are children of God, our Father in heaven, Who is our Source for all we need, as in “Give us this day our daily bread” (needs), He provides like no one else can.

When we are alone, no one with us, we are truly not alone, He is always with us.

If we need comfort, He provides.

If we need strength to get through a difficult situation, He is strong when we are weak.

If we are discouraged, sick at heart, alone and lonely, He encourages us, fills us with His love and draws us close.

Then I realized, that while we are encouraged by those around us, that is outward encouragement.

What God gives, is the encouragement and peace that goes so deep, no amount of encouragement from others can go.

That is inner encouragement.

It’s the peace that passes all understanding and only comes from God.

Now, don’t misunderstand what I’m saying, encouragement from others is truly appreciated, but only what God gives is beyond mans’ ability to give.

No matter what the trial we are going through, and it doesn’t have to be a fight for our lives, God alone gives us the
encouragement, peace, and comfort we really need.

We only need to ask.