On Sundays when I stand in the foyer of the church, I see a lot of smiling faces walking through the doors. I love to greet them with a smile and say “Good Morning!” In fact, it’s hard to walk into our church without someone acknowledging their presence. I am always reminded, though, that just because they are smiling does not mean that everything is good on the homefront. In fact, every person that comes through those doors is struggling with something. So, I ask the Lord to allow me to encourage them on this Sunday.
I got up this morning, as I do every morning, long before the sun peaked over the horizon. As I opened the Bible, I was stopped by Paul’s words to the people of Thessalonica. He was writing to encourage them. Of course, we don’t know the deep hardships they were going through, but they needed encouragement. Then I thought of you and I wondered what struggles you are up against on this day. I can’t hug you, put my arm around you, or sit with you on the grass today, but I can encourage you. I hope these things will lift your spirits and give you hope this morning…
God loves you! Sometimes when I’m talking to someone, they make me feel really special. They fix their eyes on me and they listen. I don’t feel like they have somewhere else to be or someone else to talk to. These people are examples of way I should treat others. Here’s the thing… God calls me to come and stay awhile. He is never too busy for me. Or for you. His love is GREAT… it holds us, protects us, puts a crown on our head, and carries us. God’s love is not based on anything I’ve done. It’s based on His character. His love is unfailing, everlasting, and permanent. In fact, John tells us that “perfect love expels all fear” (1 John 4:18). Rest in His love today.
God’s got this! Paul tells us in Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” In other words, God is on YOUR side and He is fighting for you right now. He is MUCH bigger than your situation, stronger than the things pressing against you, and more powerful than the enemy threatening you. There is nothing that God can’t handle. He will scale any wall for you, run to great lengths to help you, and conquer the things that have been stolen from you. Even if we can’t see the things He’s doing right now, He’s going before you and clearing out a pathway for you. Maybe we need to write the words GOD’S GOT THIS on a notecard and recite it over and over throughout the day.
Jesus is coming back for you! We don’t know what the people of Thessalonica were going through but according to Paul’s first letter to them, it appears they were struggling. So, Paul tells them about the day Jesus is coming to get them… when the Bridegroom comes to retrieve His Bride. Then he says, “Encourage each other with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Every time I think about the day of the Rapture or the moment I see Jesus face-to-face, I’m encouraged. Right now, Jesus is preparing a place for you (John 14:2). So, if your thoughts are sort of dark at the moment, or you’re struggling with uncertainty, think about what has been promised to you… Jesus is coming back for you to TAKE YOU TO BE WITH HIM FOREVER. Do I hear an amen?
Let these words encourage you today.