02/21/2021
Are we encouraged in our faith to the point where we are busy about its business at all times? When we reach the point of fainting, or our strength begins to fail us, where do we turn for help? Do we look to God? How about our fellow believers? In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians he instructs them to help and encourage their brothers and sisters in Christ when they are faint, or weak, and to warn or admonish them when they are idle or slothful. When we look at ourselves do we find Paul warning us, and telling us where to turn, or is he encouraging us to be prepared to help others in strength and faith when they are failing?
“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV
We all have times in our lives when we are set upon by life events that are overwhelming, and when this happens it can have a negative impact on our faithfulness, or at least upon our strength and practice of faith. In times such as this the Lord sends us help and strength, and most of the time it comes in the form of Angels, or brothers and sisters in Christ.
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
When Jesus was distraught, and struggling in the garden of Gethsemane He received strength from an Angel. God has no intention of leaving us to to flounder alone in our moments of weakness... and we see Him extending his help to Jesus too...
“And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
Luke 22:43-44 ESV
Then there are our fellow believers who will not only lend us encouragement and help when we are in need, but should also ask us of for the same when they find themselves likewise struggling. So are we comfortable asking of them... and prepared to offer assistance when asked?
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:4 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for being with us always, and for encouraging us in our faith, being our strength when we are on the verge of fainting, and providing us nourishment in your Word. Thank you for sending Angels to tend to us in our times of struggle, and thank you also Father for sending us to our brothers and sisters to serve as your messenger when you feel they are in need of a human embrace, or our love and help is your chosen vehicle of mercy. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who is with us always, and who never leaves us to struggle by ourselves through life. Merciful are you as you send angels and messengers to bring your answer to us in our moments of need. Use us Lord, allowing us to be the instruments of your grace, and to respond to your call without hesitation. Wash us in the blood of Jesus, and free us from sin as you prepare to send us into the world with the gospel, and to one another as your physical hands and arms to encourage, strengthen, and on occasion admonish with your rod. Hear this our prayer, and find us worthy to serve you now, and forevermore.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 23:4-6 ESV
Rich Forbes