Warriors Arise: July 17, 2023
Matthew 3:16-17 (NKJV) When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Don't withhold! Seriously, do not withhold your words of exhortation. Why? Why do you withhold? What could be your reason, when someone has put forth effort to accomplish a task or to achieve something and you notice it but you don't encourage them. Sure, I do not believe we have to give everyone a medal for participation. However, for some, participation is a big deal. They have been so hurt by people, they have been rejected and even abused, so being around people can be difficult. For them to participate, to put themselves out there, it can be extremely difficult. It may cause them all kinds of anxiety, stress, hives etc. When we know this about them, and they participate, then we need to exhort them for stepping out of their self-protection and putting themselves out there.
The other extreme would be those who are diligently putting forth effort to contribute, participate, support others in what they are doing, and stepping out to do what seems impossible. We may think they do not need acknowledge, encouraged or exhorted for their diligence, but they do. We don't want them to grow weary in the well doing. There is a reason Paul wrote this to the Galatians (6:9). Because we can grow weary in the well doing otherwise he wouldn't have needed to say it. We honor them for their diligence, bold and courageous to step out and love others. These also need to be encouraged and giving exhortation in what they are doing. Just because they seem at ease being around people, supporting others, and following God's dreams for them doesn't mean we are not to acknowledge their willingness, fortitude and tenacity to get up and step out to love people. We have not idea how they may feel inside or the battle they are facing in pursuit of fulfilling what they feel God has called them to participate in and to do.
Finally, there are those in between. They are not necessarily wounded from past participation nor are they working with excellence to pursue God's purpose in their life like Daniel. They decide when they are going to love people instead of a ready, "Yes, God, I am your person. I will serve where I have heard of a need." They also need to be encouraged and extorted when they participate and accomplish something God has invited them to be a part of.
My personal opinion, is that we, as the Body of Christ, His Bride, would sincerely watch and listen and when we see someone doing something God would be proud of, that we, would speak the words, God would say to them. They do not have to be perfect to be encouraged or given words of exhortation. God doesn't expect us to be perfect. I believe He wants us to genuinely speak words that would build others up in their faith. Our words are to be fuel so they burning longer and brighter for the world to see Christ in them.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV) Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
Father, I ask for You to open my eyes. I pray You would show me people who are doing Your work, who have step forward in boldness and courage to do what You have called them to do. I pray for You to give me courage. I pray for boldness. I pray I would be honest with my words and freely speaking life to others. I pray I would light the fire of courage for others to burn lightly for You in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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