From Recipient to Distributor

We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints. Colossians 1:3,4

Can you imagine receiving a letter to your church from a leading evangelist of our day? While he may not have directly started your church, word has gotten back to him about the condition of your church and it was a good report. The church of Colossi was not founded by the Apostle Paul. It was founded by one of Paul’s converts…Epaphras. But that did not stop Paul from taking this church into his heart and bathing it in prayer. Paul wasted no time in thanking God for His work in their life and in giving the assurance of his continued prayers for them. He starts right out rejoicing for their evident faith in Christ and love for one another.

I heard a sermon yesterday that emphasized the importance of encouraging one another. The message illustrated something I have been aware of for quite some time. We need each other. We need to be encouraged and we need to be encouragers. I wrote down one quote that spoke volumes to me, “Spiritual maturity does not mean needing each other less.” While God should be my ultimate source for encouragement He uses many avenues to impart that encouragement to me…..His Word, music, other believers, books, prayer, etc… But lately He is challenging me to be an encourager to others. His intent is that I take what has been so lavishly given to me and now lavish it on others.

I like Paul’s pattern shown in most of his New Testament books. He is thankful to God for others, he is a prayer warrior for others, he emphasizes the good qualities he sees God instilling in them, and with love he addresses areas of concern. Is there someone to whom I can become this kind of encourager? God has graciously given me countless encouragers over the years. Their words still nourish my soul. They were faithful to mentor me and help me cultivate a walk with God. They set a good example for me to follow. May I now invest myself in others.

Father, for decades You have faithfully brought encouragers across my path. How I needed them…and still do. Show me practical ways to become an encourager to someone who needs life giving words spoken to them. I have been the recipient of such words and desire to now be the distributor of them. Amen.