Day 10 – Who Could You Encourage Today?

Read I Thessalonians 3: 1 – 13

According to Acts 17:10, Paul left Thessalonica and went to Berea. When trouble broke out in Berea, some Christians took Paul to Athens, while Silas and Timothy stayed behind (Acts 17: 13 -15). Paul directed Silas and Timothy to join him in Athens. Later, Paul sent Timothy to encourage the Thessalonian Christians to be strong in their faith in the face of persecution and other troubles.

Paul had warned these new Christ followers that they were likely to face persecution. Some people turn to God with the hope of escaping suffering on earth but God doesn’t promise that. Instead, He promises to give us power to grow through our sufferings. The Christian life involves obedience to Christ despite temptations and hardships. During persecution or pressure, believers should encourage one another. Christians who stand firm in the Lord encourage both ministers and teachers (who can see the benefit of their work in those who remain faithful), and also those who are new in their faith (who can learn from the steadfastness of the mature).

Hebrews 3:13 tells us “Encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.” Satan can use any number of challenges to keep believers from growing in their faith:

1) Lack of desire to read and know God’s word
2) Lack of desire to attend church or be around fellow believers 3) Temptations to return to a former lifestyle
4) Lack of understanding of God’s Word
5) Lack of willingness to make changes in lifestyle

We should always be on the lookout for fellow Christ followers who may be struggling and need encouragement.

Prayer time: Lord, I realize that trials and hardship and perhaps outright persecution are part of the Christian life. I want to be faithful. I don’t want to doubt you or react in anger when you allow trouble in my life. Help me to always remember that anything that happens in my life has been permitted or caused by you and it is there for my good. I also pray for our Pastors and Church leaders who serve you by serving us. Protect their health, encourage them, and give them stamina and enthusiasm to continue the mission to which you have called them.

Final thought: Paul was a Christ follower with many gifts – teacher, witness, and very much an encourager. When we encourage others, we attempt to fill them with courage and a strength of purpose. Ask the Lord to show you folks in your life that you can encourage and build up their confidence.