Encouragement

And we sent Timothy,  our brother and God’s coworker  in the gospel of Christ,  to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith, so that no one will be shaken by these persecutions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to  this.”  (1 Thessalonians 3:2, 3)

In 1 Thessalonians 2:18 – 3:3 the Apostle Paul tells the Thessalonians he has been trying to come to them for some time to give them some encouragement.  Unfortunately he has been hindered in doing so.  After coming to the conclusion they should stay in Athens he tells the church in Thessalonica he is sending the young pastor Timothy to strengthen and encourage them in their faith.  The purpose of Timothy’s trip is so they will be strengthened and not be shaken by the persecutions and trials that are coming their way.

I thank God for the Timothy’s in my life.  There are times or seasons in my life (maybe in yours as well) where I could use a little encouragement or strengthened faith because of the difficulties I am facing in life.  When I need encouragement God in his sovereignty sends someone to encourage or help lift me up.  It may come in the form of a note, a prayer, an encouraging word or just a word of blessing altogether. We sometimes don’t realize on the other hand when we practice encouraging and building others up we may and usually do end up helping to lift someone from a dark or trying time and bringing them into the light of Christ so they may face the difficulties that are set before them. 

I find it sad how much time and effort people spend tearing others down and “shooting their wounded” instead of resolving to be the encourager that is needed most.  How often we forget the words of Jesus, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”  May we be reminded that we are the body of Christ and we NEED each other and we ought to be devoting our time encouraging and strengthening one another in faith. 

Random Thought: Pray about who you could be a Timothy to and also make it a point to thank someone who has been a Timothy in your life this day.