Gracious Reminders

Scripture: For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:6-7

I love the way God sometimes sends us stark messages. There are so many times I grow discouraged in my work for God. I get to thinking that even though I know He raised up Prayers For The People You Love and He means for it to touch many lives, that I am not doing what God would have me to do. I grow pitiful and begin to doubt these promises. Then my loving God will send me a giant word of encouragement many times it comes as one of your orders, but sometimes it is more unsolicited than that.

Before we started our move I got a small envelope in the mail with what appeared to be child’s handwriting on the front. I did not recognize the name, but it was written with great care. Upon opening the letter I discovered that the young girl had received a prayer as a gift. She did not know me and had not been in touch with the person who gave her the prayer. Yet she must have needed to reach out to someone familiar. She needed a friend and she thought that I must have been one to do that prayer for her. Little did she know that she, in her broken penmanship, wrote me a lovely letter of encouragement.

I sat down to write her back today and even though it only took a moment I realized that I have failed to write many of you to tell you how much you mean to me. Writing a note does not take long and I know in the world of quick email-cell phone fixes we have cheapened our communication at times. I am sorry if I have not written to you personally like I should have and I pray that you will receive this young girl’s letter as your own. For each of you have helped give another prayer beyond the one you bought.

Your challenge is to take about 10 minutes this week and write a hand-written note to someone to let them know how they have touched your life for Christ. It will be rewarding for both of you. I always love it when God reminds me and fans the flame of His gifts in me.

Leslie Stephens
McMinnville, TN

Prayer: Thoughtful God, thank you for sending us just the encouragement we need to move forward in our faith. We know that you do not intend for us to remain in discouragement. Teach us to be encouraging to others when we ourselves are discouraged. Amen

Prayer Tip: One of the best ways to find encouragement in Christ is to pray for other people’s needs. When you feel discouraged do not focus on your needs, focus on the needs of others.