Sometimes life just doesn’t make sense.
Some days are just a struggle.
We wonder why this is happening to us. And then we try to control the situation. We google answers to our problems instead of seeking the only One who can make sense of it all.
Wednesday was one of those days. It was a handful of little things piled up that turned into what felt like a big thing. An overdue oil change. A broken oil pan. A broken belt. A tow to the auto shop. A week without a car. Wondering how to pay for it. And what to do when it doesn’t run anymore.
And then, there it was. Perspective.
A friend with worries of her own. Bigger ones than mine. Real life stuff. Not temporary things like broken cars or not enough money. But relationship struggles and wrestling with God. A longing for direction and clarity and stability.
And yet, in the midst of our own unique struggles, we built one another up.
No judgement.
No pretense.
No comparison.
Just life-giving words of affirmation.
ENCOURAGEMENT.
It will work out. God provides. He sees the bigger picture.
You are good enough. You are worthy. You are headed in the right direction.
A commitment to pray for one another. To continue to journey in this life together. Through the ups and the downs, the struggles and the triumphs.
I pray that today you choose to serve someone passionately with your words. Use words of grace and love to encourage someone and build them up. Choose life-giving words. Reject the fear of saying the wrong thing {my struggle} and instead walk in faith that Christ will give you the words to say, today and each day.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 image credit
I’m writing in community today with Lisa-Jo Baker’s 5 Minute Friday series, where she encourages bloggers to write for 5 minutes each Friday on a specific topic. Free writing. No edits. Writing from the heart. Today’s topic was ENCOURAGE.
Also sharing at Essential Fridays, Faith Filled Friday, Beauty Observed and Fellowship Friday.
Love the topic of moving from fear to freedom in Christ and pursuing purposeful Christian living? Sign up in the side bar to receive blog posts {encouragement!} by email.
Sometimes I think I have more experience saying the wrong thing than the right thing:) – Women need that encouragement – God knew what he was talking about when he said two or three should walk together – to lift each other up when we fall down. That is something I want to be particularly good at – something I want my boys to remember me for!
Isn’t it wonderful though that God can use what we think is the “wrong thing” to say in a situation and turn it into just the “right thing”? I’m surely grateful for that!
It will work out. God provides. He sees the bigger picture.
You are good enough. You are worthy. You are headed in the right direction.
Love this! God’s perspective is always better than my own and I appreciate so much when He convicts me by allowing me to see things through His lenses. Especially in those days when everything does go wrong and you really are entitled to feel the way you do. And then, your life intersects with someone else’s and bam! there it is, God speaking into your life and encouraging you through them.
I pray that you are encouraged by the way God let you see things through His eyes and that you continue to build others up through your words of affirmation. Thank you for encouraging me! I love that you included the picture with 1 Thessalonians 5:11. You have inspired me to write it out on an index card and post it on my desk!
Blessings & hugs for the journey!
Nicole
I thought that scripture was beautiful written out like that too. Glad you agree and that it was a blessing to you. Thanks for stopping by!
“use words of grace and love….” Yes. Thank you for yours.
Perspective is something we all need a dose of sometimes. So glad that you and your friend could encourage one another even in the middle of difficulties. That’s what’s so cool about community! So glad you joined us for FMF! Look forward to bring back with y’all next week!
I agree. “Perspective is everything” has become a key saying in our family the last year.
I love how you have touched on the core of encouragement here: encouragement doesn’t happen outside of relationship!
We are not meant to be isolated, where we absolutely struggle and flop on our own… but we are created to be part of a body… the body of Christ, no less… and so what comes from that body should be Life-giving words! The support and building up will happen if we remain connected to Him, and to others.
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
Absolutely! Encouragement and relationship go hand in hand. Thanks for stopping by!
Very encouraging post. My husband’s job is changing and this post is exactly what I needed to read today!
The transition of a new job can be challenging but yet can open up so many new doors. So glad the post ministered to you today.
LeeAnn, I love these words. You are so right that the perspective of another can help us see our own problems differently and be encouraged to move forwards once more. The blessings of friendship!
Thanks for sharing at Essential Fridays.
Blessings
Mel from Essential Thing Devotions
Beautiful words 🙂 walking these roads sometimes seems like the scariest thing ever. But a timely word….sometimes makes all the difference!!
I adore this entry. You are spot on – we wallow in our minimal problems when those around us are facing true battles. I also am now in love with this Friday link up! Thank you for sharing.
Serve others passionately with your words. Wow, such a powerful statement!
Thank you for that nugget. I will be thinking about that today. 🙂
So glad it blessed you!
Such a beautiful post. When life doesn’t make sense for me, I just turn to God for support.