So
before I move along, I want to share these with you. If you haven’t had the
opportunity to read Encouragement – Part One through Three, you may want to do
so before continuing with today’s blog post.
Just
to remind you these passages show how Paul was encouraged and then we’ll see
how we can bring these elements into our own lives to encourage men and women
in ministry or on the mission field.
Eight
Paul
had great love for the people in Ephesus. He spent between three years in this
city and many became believers during that period. On Paul’s journey back to
Jerusalem where he would eventually be arrested and sent to Rome, he had an encounter
with the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-21:1).
After
words of encouragement to them to fulfill their duties as elders and to beware
of the “savage wolves,” Paul and the elders knelt down and they prayed.
While
the only mention of “building up” is from Paul, I believe Paul was encouraged
by this encounter. He saw the great love these men had for God and for himself.
He saw their desire to follow God’s plan for the Church. He knew their
faithfulness would continue to build and grow God’s Kingdom in the future. And he
was encouraged that he was leaving Ephesus in good, capable hands.
Nine
In
2 Corinthians 7, Paul shares some wonderful expressions of devotion regarding this
group of people in Macedonia. In his first letter, Paul urged them to
repentance and in so doing, brought about “Godly
sorrow that brought repentance that lead to salvation and no regret.” (2
Corinthians 7:10 – NIV)
In
two verses, Paul says he was encouraged by this group. 2 Corinthians 7:4 (NIV)
says, “I have great confidence in you; I take
great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows
no bounds.” In turn, I’m certain the people who received this letter were
also encouraged.
Then
in verse 13 of the same chapter, Paul says, “By
all this [their repentance, eagerness, indignation, longing, concern,
readiness] we are encouraged.” (2
Corinthians 7:13 – NIV)
And
then Paul says he boasted about this group and that they had not disappointed.
He was not embarrassed. Everything he said about them was true. (2 Corinthians
7:14) No wonder Paul was filled with joy when he remembered the church in
Macedonia!
How You Can Be an Encouragement to Your Minister or Missionary
Encouragement Eight
First,
I believe we can pray for and with our minister. Think about it. When was the
last time you prayed specifically for the things Paul prayed in Acts 20:28-32?
Perhaps you never have. What powerful words these can be. Maybe it’s time to
use Paul’s words during our prayer time.
And
for those on the mission field, I believe we need to pray earnestly for their
safety. The elders of Ephesus were saddened by the thought that they would not
see Paul again. There can be real danger for our missionary friends. Please don’t
forget to pray for them daily.
Second,
I believe we can join them on their journey. The elders at Ephesus wept with
Paul. They understood that Paul was heading to encounter his own “savage
wolves.” The elders and the church of Ephesus would be there with him in
prayer. It may not be possible to physically be with our missionaries, but we
certainly can be with them in spirit. Allow God’s Spirit to make the
connection.
Third,
if we are truly able and prepared, I believe we can let our ministers and
missionaries know that we are capable of carrying on or maintaining a ministry
(with God’s help). Perhaps you are feeling a tug at your heart right now. It may
mean it’s time to take that step forward and take the baton. You’ll know if the
timing is right. God will go before you and prepare the way.
Encouragement Nine
Be
a joy to your minister or a missionary. Act upon their message. Be eager to do
what God’s Word says. Have concern for the injustices of this world. And do not
bring embarrassment to them.
I
realize we are not on this earth to bring glory and honor to any man, but to
lift up our God as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. But I think we see from
this passage that a little Godly boasting is acceptable. The lives we live are to
be a reflection of God. Oh, how I pray that I am not an embarrassment to God
above all.
Well,
this was an unexpected twist. And to be honest, I may find even more to add to
this list as my study on encouragement continues. I can only ask that God will
enlighten my heart to what His Word says about this topic.
We
aren’t done with this study on encouragement. I pray that you’ll continue this
biblical journey with me over the next few days as we learn how to encourage
one another…
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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