Encouraged

I was reading about a time in David’s life this week that I think we can all relate too. The story is found in 2 Samuel 16-17 and it’s about a very discouraging season in his life where he experienced betrayal, humiliation and discouragement.

His son Absalom was attempting to take over the kingdom and some of David’s advisers had betrayed him and joined forces with Absalom. As he and his family left Jerusalem a man named Shimei threw rocks at him and hurled insults; kicking him while he was down.

David refused to retaliate because he believed that he deserved what was happening to him because of the choices he had made. He also believed that maybe God would see his distress and repay him with good for the cursing that he was receiving. Humbly he continued to walk on and endure the pain of betrayal and humiliation from his son, advisers and others.

Do you see the encouragement? It’s in David’s choice to trust God in the midst of every circumstance. Just like David we can still cry out to God for help even when we think we’re getting what we deserve. God helps us even when our situations are self-inflicted.

As you read through those chapters you will see how God sent encouragement through several different people. Some refused to stay behind and walked with David and provided food and supplies. Others chose to enter the enemy territory, risking their lives to send information to David and to offset the counsel that Absalom was receiving.

God does the same for us. When we pray, “God, please help me get through this difficult time or help me complete this work load,” He always sends the help we need in the most unique ways.

This last week was especially stressful. I felt completely overwhelmed at work with the many tasks that needed to be accomplished and each had a “Today” deadline. My son was having shoulder surgery and as a mom, I was concerned in every way for him and his family. Our little dog Missy was also going in for surgery to remove her eye that had deteriorated.

Several times throughout the week I just wanted to cry, it was all too much. But the thought, “You don’t have time to cry,” kept coming to my mind. Some of the work load was by my own choice and so I knew that I shouldn’t complain.

As I sat in my car after work I prayed for strength, believing that God would be with me and help me. I then received a call from my daughter-in-law asking if I would like some homemade turkey noodle soup for dinner. What a gift! Dinner was taken care of and I was very touched at her thoughtfulness and God’s perfect timing.

The next day when I returned home late from work I was blessed to see that my husband had finished all the laundry. That took a load off my to do list and was such a wonderful blessing. But God wasn’t finished with the encouragement.

I wanted my son to know how much God loves him and so I posted a prayer request on Facebook for his surgery. My heart was so touched by the overwhelming responses that were received. I didn’t realize how much I needed the encouragement that those posts would bring. Mitch told me that his phone had been beeping like crazy all day with the many responses and that he too was very touched by all the prayers and love from friends and family.

Then God put the icing on the cake. My granddaughters spent the night and following day with us while Mitch was in surgery. During the night I would wake up to Remi touching my nose then smiling when I looked at her and saying, “Hi grandma.” She would then hug me and snuggle close. My cup overflowed again and again.

I realized this week that when the road seems the toughest, the more encouragement God sends. We just have to open our eyes to the many unique and beautiful ways that He works through others to encourage us. In reviewing the week, yes it was stressful, full of tasks and emotions, but it was a very blessed week and had God’s hands of encouragement all over it!

My Prayer

Father, I thank you for the many beautiful ways You showed me that You were with me this week. Thank you for the challenges and opportunities to trust You and to see You at work in my life. Thank you for the many wonderful people you have placed in my life and help me to be an encouragement to others. Thank you for the answers to prayers and for the successful surgeries. I know that You will provide continued healing as well. I Love You Lord! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.”