The Courage to Encourage

Based on Job 3-4, Acts 7:44-60

"For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, And that which I was afraid of is come unto me." Job 3:25

Although Job never cursed God, he did curse the day in which he was born. He had his times of strength through the struggle, but he also had his times of outburst. But that's to be expected! And that's the beautiful thing about God's Word (well, one of many!). His Word isn't full of special, perfect people who never were weak. It is full of people who struggled, but held onto God, no matter what! Some even had their times of doubt, fear & everything in between, but that's why we need an encourager. Someone in the faith who is willing to help us along the way. Someone who is willing to speak the Truth in love! Job had a few friends, but they were far from encouragers!

"Thy words have upholden him that was falling, And thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; It toucheth thee, and thou art troubled." Job 4:4‭-‬5

Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, basically stated that Job encouraged so many people through their problems, but now he can't find strength in his own problems. He wasn't being the encourager Job needed! Of course it's easier to help others through their issues, and when this all started, Job even blessed the Name of The Lord for what He gives and what He takes away! His friend didn't know the prayers behind the scenes. His friend didn't have compassion in this desperate situation. No matter how strong we might be at times, that doesn't mean we'll never need help in our own times of trouble! Thank God for people who do what Jesus would do!

"Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, And earth is my footstool: What house will ye build me? saith the Lord: Or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?" Acts 7:48‭-‬50

Although Stephen did call out what was wrong in the Pharisees' thinking, he did it in a way that spoke Truth, and again, spoke it in love! He displayed all of the common ground they had between each other, but also tried to show them how Jesus tied into all of it. They did end up stoning him, and even in that time, he called out to God to forgive them. That's the kind of friend we need! That's the kind of encourager we need...and that's the way we need to be to others! Standing firm for Jesus, the ultimate Friend & Encourager who is closer than a brother, and at the same time reaching out to help as best we can. Let God strengthen us to help strengthen others!

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24