“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
― Dr. Seuss
Discouragement can be a sharp weapon. It cuts deep and has the ability to stop positive growth in an otherwise fruitful life. Most people who have been successful at following their dreams have learned to stare discouragement in its ugly face and let it know it is unwelcome. We’ve all heard the story about Walt Disney’s bout with bankruptcy as well as many examples like his. They help us feel better and keep knocking the doors down in pursuit of our dreams. However, what happens when the dreams are deeper than a mere business venture?
- What about parents who ache for their children to serve the Lord?
- What about the family dealing with either the illness or death of a child?
- What about the woman crying behind closed doors who cannot escape an abusive relationship?
- What about the couple struggling with infertility or pregnancy loss?
- What about the couples who cannot afford to give their children Christmas presents?
- What about the widows and orphans?
We need to take an active role in becoming someone’s Barnabas.
Acts 4:36
And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated son of encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus. (N.K.J.V.)
The Apostle Paul had Barnabas. Barnabas, According to Acts 4:36, literally means son of encouragement. Everybody needs a Barnabas in their life. I’ve discussed this in a past post, but recently God has placed the importance of discipleship on my heart more than ever before.
If we want to grow in the Lord we need to take His commands seriously. The words one another are used frequently throughout the Bible. As I have been digging in to what discipleship really is and how God wants to use us as vessels to encourage and equip others, the following scriptural commands has shined a brand new light in my life.
- Love one another (John 13:34)
- Be kindly affectionate to one another (Romans 12:10)
- Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
- Pray for one another (James 5:16)
- Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
- Forgive one another (Colossians 3:13)
- Minister your gifts to one another (1 Peter 4:10)
I would like to ask you to take some time to read the verses I have listed. Fit them into your week and try to live them. These are tall orders, and they sometimes take time to grasp. I’m doing the same thing in my life right now.
We all need a Barnabas. And because we all need one… we all must learn to be one. (Tweet that)
Love
Be kind
Serve
Pray
Bear a burden
Forgive
Minister your gifts
By following these God given principles you will unlock chains in your life and experience freedom like never before…