Doing for others...

"You can become for others what you did not have so that the generation following you will have your 'faith stories' to lean on and your blessing to pass along." Darlene Zschech

So often we don't do for others because we get caught in the "poor me" trap of thinking that nobody ever did it for us so either: Why should I do something for someone else what no one ever did for me? or I'm not properly equipped because no one ever spoke into my life.

Both of these are valid.... excuses.

If we are drawing closer to the Lord, then we are able to minister to those around us. But we must know WHY we do what we do. None of us have all the answers to life's questions, but we can help point someone else toward Jesus and godly living if we are passionate to seek His direction and share it.  "It's your vision and understanding that someone else needs for a starting point." DZ

Hebrews 10:24-25 says "Let us consider how we may spur one another on...not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Spurring one another on is simply encouragement. It is our responsibility to encourage those around us. EVEN if we ourselves don't feel fully encouraged that day. That's not to say that we don't deserve encouragement as well, but so often we wait around thinking that someone has to pour into us before we can encourage someone else. Well, we should be asking the Holy Spirit to pour into our lives wisdom and strength every day. The reality is that we can't wait around for others to do the right thing before we begin.

"As people mature, they learn to encourage themselves in the Lord, just as King David did. We can find ourselves being genuinely encouraged from something we've read, heard, seen, or experienced that becomes a kiss from heaven to warm our hearts and remind us that God is with us." DZ

"Encouraging words, fueled by the Word of God, carry life. Even the smallest act of kindness can bring hope to the hurting heart." DZ

Pastor Tommy Barnett often says, "Find a need and fill it; find a hurt and heal it."

Do you see a need in someone around you?

Can you help to ease their burden with a kind word or act of kindness?

Are you willing to?

Even if your load is also heavy?

Jesus' love flowing through you will bring health to both you and the one receiving the encouragement!