The Power of Encouragement

After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia.

Acts 20:1

The power of a word of encouragement should never be underestimated. Whether we are offering it or receiving it, there is little doubt that encouragement can go a long way. Paul knew this fact. After a huge uproar, related to Artemis, Paul takes the time to encourage the disciples of Christ. Certainly it would have been easy for them to grow discouraged after being challenged in such a strong way. Paul wanted to make sure that they did not lose heart, so he brought them in and sought to build them up.

We come in contact with people on a daily basis that need encouragement. Whether they are just having a tough day or have been facing an ongoing trial, we have the opportunity to give that word of hope or belief. Take time today to look around. Take note of those who need a word of encouragement and offer it. Be the person today that speaks hope; that paints a picture of a bright future.

One of the interesting dynamics of encouragement is that when you offer it, you too are encouraged. There is just something special about being in the mindset of helping others. Do not underestimate the power of encouragement to touch another and do not underestimate encouragements power to touch you, too.

Persevering Through Difficulties

When difficulties or challenges arise in our lives, we must choose how we are going to respond. We can view the difficulty as the end of the story or we can wait and see what God is going to do. Throughout Scripture we see people face difficulties, some of their own making and some they had no control over. However, God always seems to move on their behalf to bring about great things.

One such story is the story of Joseph. Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery. He is taken from his home into Egypt. While in Egypt he ends up in prison. If ever someone had a reason to declare defeat and just give up, it was Joseph. However, Joseph continued to give life his all and to trust the Lord. The time came that God raised Joseph up out of his dungeon and put him in a place of power.

It was in this place of power, essentially the Prime Minister of Egypt, that Joseph once again faces his brothers. In spite of all they did to him and the fact that his life was incredibly difficult because of their actions, he displays grace. When his brothers discovered that it was him, they were afraid. Was he going to use this opportunity to settle the score? Joseph does not. Instead, Joseph says to them, “do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen. 45:5).

Joseph recognized that God has been working the whole time. Though he had to face some very dark hours, God had sent him ahead to prepare for a coming famine. Now that time and come the purposes of God were revealed. Many of us face difficult days. It is often hard to understand what God is up to. However, we must keep the faith, live our lives as God has called us to, and press forward in optimism. When the time comes, God’s purposes will be revealed.

When Difficulties Direct

Throughout the book of Acts we have seen the progression of the gospel. We are reminded once again of Jesus’ Great Commission. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We have seen the gospel proclaimed in Jerusalem, in Judea, and Samaria. Now we come to Acts 13 and we see the gospel launched “to the ends of the earth.”

Paul and Barnabas have been preaching the gospel. The Jewish people that they were speaking to were responding with great interest. Unfortunately, this upset the leaders of the people. The Bible says, “But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him” (Acts 13:45). Paul and Barnabas could have allowed this to discourage them. They could have looked at the situation and quit. Instead, they simply say, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). The Gentile response is also worth noting. We are told, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48).

This story has two things for us that are worthy of note. First, we are reminded once again that God has a heart for the nations. God’s desire is that all people will come to a saving knowledge of Him. As believers, we are to take part in this gospel advance. Second, it was after a difficult situation occurred that the gospel was preached to the Gentiles. We must be careful not to view every challenge as a negative. Sometimes God uses these difficulties to direct our path and accomplish His will. Walk in faith and expectation…even in the difficult times.