Encouragement

Life has not gone exactly as planned the last several weeks for anyone, us included. And to be honest, life has been a little discouraging. I have had times of struggling to be joyful. Have tried to be thankful each day for our blessings. But some days have just been hard. From time to time during the past few weeks I’ve mentioned to God how I really could use some encouragement. Wasn’t sure what that looked like or could be. But just needed a little something. Just one thing. Just one bit of encouragement.

One day this past week as I was starting to head home from the church office, Matt texted me. He sent me a photo. I started tear up. A friend of ours stopped by. She dropped off a beautiful potted flowering plant. There was a note, too. Just two sentences. But one word was underlined in the note and it stuck out to me. “Encouragement.” Wow. I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing. There is no possible way that she knew I had been asking God specifically for some encouragement. I was humbled. Thankful. I pulled over at one point and just sent a message to this friend to let her know how much that meant to me and why. We had a sweet exchange about it. And I was even more thankful to be following such a great and personal God! Only He could have orchestrated this.

Life is hard. But God is good. He knows us well. He knows our needs. And He will provide—whether it’s a big need or just using someone to bring a little of much needed encouragement. He knows. He hears. He cares. He will help us through. Praise Him!

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?^[b] And not one of them is forgotten before God. ⁷ Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7