EVERYONE NEEDS ENCOURAGEMENT

On a hot, steamy tropical morning in Java I sat in the cane chair reading our children’s reports from the S.A. Correspondence School. 

    One report, with its accompanying letter, triggered tears of disappointment and failure, with the responsibility of teaching four children, and occupying two toddlers.

    However, my husband delivered home the mail delivered to the village hospital.  The children enjoyed sorting the letters, and Ruth passed another one to me.  Despite the unwiped tears, I slit the envelope and pulled out a letter. It was from my friend, Marj. in Adelaide.  After her opening greetings she wrote

    I often think of you teaching the children in that hot climate, and the interruptions as villagers arrive to sell their fruit and rice.  It is difficult to stir children to do their homework in a cool room. So I pray for you every day for strength and patience, and success as you teach your children. ‘

    Well, Marj’s timing was perfect, and her letter certainly encouraged, strengthened and fortified me to carry on.  I marvelled at the miracle of the timing of the letter arriving at the precise time of my need. I thanked God for His grace that moved Marj to pray – and write.

    On one occasion, despondent Janey overflowed at the misery of her daughter’s teenage rebellion.  As she talked -and I listened- I prayed silently for an appropriate response.  She needed no trite advice, but I reminded her of Psalm 121 – ‘ I will lift up my eyes to the hills where my help comes from. It comes from the Lord Who made heaven and earth.’

        ‘God will be your help,’ I said, adding, ‘ Hang in there and read that verse to encourage you.’

   The following week Janey told me, “ I did hang in there’ and my daughter actually asked for my advice- and the Lord certainly helped me, just like you said.’  Thankful for Janey’s positive response, I was amazed to hear of her confidence in God to help her friend, Lisa.

    Lisa sipped coffee in my kitchen,’ Janey encouraged me to ‘hang in there, ’and I am trying to do that with God’s help.’ So it transpired that two families restored relationships because these young mothers trusted God, and waited patiently for His grace and power to rescue their family situations.  And I rejoiced to see each one helping each other to rely on the Lord, and not on me.

   Yet on some occasions our words may seem ineffective at the time.  But God’s time clock clicks perfectly.     

    After an open air Christmas service in the park opposite our home, a visiting pastor said to me, You will be glad to know that my son isa mature Christian , and he often tells people of his love for them.’ As I appreciated the father’s delight, I also could not recall the young man. 

The pastor noticed my hesitation and explained. 

    ‘You taught David Religious Instruction in Primary School forty years ago.  You explained to the children that they need two birthdays.  One in celebration of their birth, and the other when they are born new and they received the Lord Jesus as their sin-bearer and Saviour.’

    ‘It happened to be David’s sixth birthday, and he came home and told his mother and me that he had two birthdays. When we questioned him he said he had received the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, and was born into God’s family.  You can imagine our feelings.  It seemed like a birthday gift for us, too. ‘

    I assured the pastor that God’s Holy Spirit spoke to the lad that day through this very ordinary Mum.   But I was extremely encouraged that God had taken the seed sown forty years previously, and birthed a young life committed to God. Our Lord’s good seed brings His harvest.

    The Lord Jesus always brightened a life.  How did the humble widow feel when she placed the total contents of her purse – two copper coins – into the treasury of the temple.   Imagine the steely eyes of the wealthy.  But the Lord Jesus looked at her with love as He sat nearby and noticed her meagre offering.  It was more precious to Him than the gifts of the rich men with their bulging money bags.

    When offered in love and sincerity our acts and words strengthen, repair, fortify, bind and help to restore the lives of those whom we comfort and cheer, as God’s Spirit prompts and empowers us.

    I am sure the faith and sacrifice of the widow refreshed our Lord as He witnessed her modest gift. 

    Yes, everyone needs encouragement.

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