The Encouragers

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                        The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you.                                                     He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love. 

Zephaniah 3:17


Who are the encouragers in your life?  The people who slip you just the right verse or prayer instead of a glass of wine or a wad of words to get you through a tough time.  Twice in the past ten years I've been slipped Zephaniah 3:17.  Once, it was handwritten on a sticky note that stayed in my bedside table drawer for years until it was all crumbly. Whenever I think about the giver I immediately think about the verse!


Another time a woman in one of the summer studies here at Shiloh knew my husband and I were experiencing ferocious spiritual warfare. She had the ladies in the study write verses and prayers on index cards to help us battle and she secretly place the cards throughout our home and they kept popping in unexpected places. 


When we think about Mary's story we see that God surrounded her with encouragers. Okay, you say, "Not the innkeeper."  We don't know the whole story there do we, but we are quick to pass judgment.  


Let's ponder some of the ways Mary was encouraged and then ask the Lord to place on our hearts people we could encourage in a similar fashion this month.


First there was the angel who used words to encourage Mary. 

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 

Luke 1:30


There was her pregnant relative, Elizabeth, who welcomed her into her home after the unexpected, unwed pregnancy came to light. 


The acceptance, stability, trust and presence of Joseph had to be an unbelievable gift for this young woman. 


Add the appearances of total strangers, prompted by the Lord, who showed up to celebrate with her and confirm that her baby was the long awaited Messiah. Shepherds, wisemen, an old man named Simeon, and a widow names, Anna.


And Jesus. The look of love as God himself stared into Mary's eyes.  Our eyes can say so much and encourage others.


The Song

Chris Tomlin-We The Kingdom Christmas Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=182xcb3GyOg



 


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