“Let
us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is
faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward
love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:23-24 NIV).
Have
you ever been in need of encouragement? This last week my husband and
I went on a vacation to Traverse City, Michigan. We visited the Great
Bear Dunes and decided to climb this huge hill to see an amazing view
of Lake Michigan. It was a sandy bluff with little trees surrounding
the trail. Rick asked me if I was sure I could make it, because it
was very steep and 1.2 miles. I really wanted to see the view, so we
started up the path. Halfway up, I was panting and had to stop every
10 feet just to catch my breath. I was tempted to go back, but my
desire to see the view outweighed my fatigue. I grabbed hold of
Rick’s hand and with his help I trudged up the hill with my eyes
focused on the next curve. I just kept thinking that with Rick’s
help I could make it. Other people on the path coming down told me
that I could do it and the view was worth it. That made me work
harder. When I finally reached the top I sat on a log and was
awestruck at the beautiful scene of crystal blue water as far as I
could see. It was worth the trouble.
How
is this experience like your
Christian walk? You see we as Christians need to encourage each other
as we try to live as Jesus would want us to live. Without me grabbing
onto Rick’s hand, I would not have made it up that hill. We need to
come along side a friend in need and let them know we care and will
help them. The first Christians, according to Acts 2:44-47, met
together and had everything in common. If someone needed money, they
would sell their possessions and goods so as to help them. They ate
together with glad and sincere hearts. We are to love one another and
encourage each other as
we strive to live a life that is pleasing to God. There
are so many people who need help, and they
need to know someone
cares about them. You be the one to help them to the top of their
steep hill of trouble to see that glorious view of hope in the Lord.
Dear
God,
There
are so many people who need encouragement. Help me to be the one to
come alongside them and to assist them in any way I can. Help me to
put other people’s needs above my own, just as Jesus did. Help
me to be a living example of how Jesus loved others.
In
Jesus’ name,
Amen
