As a new missionary, language study, being “homesick”,
feeling inadequate for all that was expected in medical work, adjusting to climate and food and no electricity or telephones was very discouraging. I am certain as I look back that encouragement was the tool that God used to get me through those difficult times. I am so thankful for God’s Word and for others who lived out the scripture in being God’s instruments of encouragement to me.
I read somewhere that “Encouraging others is love with feet on it.”
I believe that encouragement is an essential part of God’s nature. We need it daily from God and His word but also from each other. This can be through the spoken word, the written word, or actions.
For me, my co-worker was always verbally encouraging me especially when it came to medical things! The notes from home and co-workers in other villages and the mailbag dropped by the MAF plane were highlights for many of those days!
I am thankful that over the years, God has taught me the joy of encouraging others by doing things for them. One of my favorite times was story time for Jamsie, a little MK boy, after his naptime – and the excitement as I watched him running across the yard yelling “Aunt Ginny, do I get two stories this time??”
May we continue to learn how to be encouragers as we ourselves are daily uplifted by the Lord.
Romans 15:5 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5