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There are days when we need a kind word – the type of word that allows hope to creep back into our normal, busy, and even mundane tasks in life. And, other days, we were meant to give the word to someone else.

Romans 1:12

That is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. (N.K.J.V.)

At the time the apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Romans, he had not visited the church in Rome. However, he had a powerful message to convey.

1.  He was confident in the message of Christ.
2.  He had not deserted his mission to the Gentiles.

Encouragement was needed and Paul was fulfilling his role as an encourager. And by their faith, Paul was then encouraged also. He wanted them to know they needed to encourage each other. It was a key detail. He was making sure they understood they were not alone, as well as to keep pressing onward.

A few weeks ago, I was on my way to Panera Bread to spend some time writing. It was already later into the evening.  I was tired and felt void of words. As I was driving, I received a phone call from my friend. As we were talking I was telling her about my day, and how I knew I had something God wanted me to write but had absolutely no idea what it was. I am sure discouragement flowed from my voice.

Just as I pulled into the parking lot and we were saying our goodbyes she said two words that encouraged me greatly, “Be inspired.”

I am not sure she realizes God used her at that very moment to say words which would be health to my bones and pull language from heart to my online space. Regardless of whether she noticed it or not, she was being obedient to her call as an encourager.

Those two points I listed above regarding Paul and his letter… they are two valuable points for our lives. Let’s correlate them…

1. We must be confident in our faith, hope and message in Christ!

God has a desire for us to fulfill: there is a strong gift He has given to each of us to use for His glory. Some can be classified as dreams. Others are gifts waiting to be cultivated alongside a dream. Some are gifts we take for granted. Meaning we usually don’t comprehend the power our gift holds, and what God will ultimately use it for through our obedience to Him.  But, be assured, remaining confident in what we believe will encourage our faith.

2.  We cannot desert our mission!

Some of you might be thinking, “What is my mission?”  I guarantee He has one for you, and when you discover it, you won’t be disappointed.

Others of you might doubt your mission: when the Almighty Creator whispers to your soul and you are obedient to seek Him through prayer and scripture according to what you feel He has spoken, then continue on with the mission He gave you! It might not always be easy, but any task that is classified under the word mission never is.

I also want to be clear that I’m not always talking about something huge like leaving to enter a third world country to evangelize and feed the poor. Thank God He has called some to do that, but giving someone a word of encouragement is just as important and huge to the soul who receives it. To be an encourager is to be a missionary as well.

Without stating specifics, because I would never reveal confidential information that others have placed in me, I can tell you that there have been many times in my life where God has spoken strongly to my heart to say something detailed and straight to the point to someone who needed it without me knowing the particulars of their situation.

It has also come in the form of God putting it on my heart to call someone and ask “How are you?” And the floodgates open.

It might be just saying the words, “God bless you.” to the woman behind the deli counter. It can and will be anywhere He decides the time is right.

It is ALL about being obedient to your call as an encourager!

I believe YOU have the gift to encourage, but the question is… will you use it? (Tweet that.)

In the midst of it all, remember this: You also need to be willing to receive encouragement. We have to be filled so we can pour out.

God bless you!

Love,

Jennifer