Blessed Encouragement

God knew that I was going to have a discouraging week. So many forces were against me; one by one, I watched members of my family fall to illness. I had to push my studying aside and help my mama to hold the home together while caring for those who were sick. God knew that I was going to become discouraged by my own inadequacy to counsel a dear friend. How can I possibly hope to give advice and offer encouragement for a situation in which I have no experience? I know; only through the Hope that I have through Christ Jesus. Without any doubt I have assurance that I can do all things through Him who gives me strength, but... still it is easy to become discouraged.


Even though the odds were against me, I was able to rejoice in the Lord always. What then shall we say to these things? "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). A multitude of forces seemed to support me; to gather around me and cause me to lean more heavily on God. Abba, Father, Lord.

So many small things were placed in my life this week, just when I needed them the most. Sweet moments in the quiet stillness of the morning; allowing myself to succumb to His Word and to be wrapped in His faithful promises. "Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures forever" (Psalm 136:26).

A blog post seemed to be written just for me. If you are a single young lady, this post is for you too. Read it here.

When I opened my Skype account this morning, I had a notification from a friend of mine. This is the file that she had sent me.

A smile beamed across my face and thankful tears glistened in the small corners of my eyes. What have I done to deserve such sweet encouragement? Such immense blessings? Such sweet friends? Such an amazing God? Nothing. I have done nothing to deserve all of this, and yet God has chosen me. I cannot fathom this, but I will be thankful. I will be thankful and I will chose joy in the midst of discouragement.


God has refreshed and rejuvinated my spirit. Right now, I am praying for myself in two ways. First, that I may be dillegent and focused so I can pass my test on Monday. Secondly, that the Holy Spirit can fill me so I can be an encouragement to my friend. Prayer is strong, but I need to search the scriptures so I can be prepared to fight with the Truth of God and lean not on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Otherwise, I am just praising God for His abounding mercies and everlasting faithfulness!


Always remember, my dear friends that "the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:4).


God Bless you all.