“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11

So, I think from my last couple of writings you can tell that we have been going through some things. Not life threatening for us but stressful for sure. In the midst of these day to day struggles my husband lost his sweet mama. It seems like the battle has really intensified and our armor is getting heavy. Thankfully, Jesus never leaves us or forsakes us. We are victorious in Him, but we also have to take part in life’s battles.

The best news is that I am part of an army. I don’t have to fight alone. I have a sisterhood that is the best, and they take 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to heart. Trust me when I say I never want sympathy or pity. I am a daughter of the King; don’t feel sorry for me. He has a plan and a purpose for what I’m going through. ( Also don’t be super nice or I cry 😭 😂)

But that encouragement keeps me going. Some of my favorites are sweet texts that say “I was studying today and this verse made me think of your situation” or “is there something I can do for you today? A meal?” and probably best of all just “Hey I’m praying for y’all this morning” ❤️

If you don’t have solid Christian sisters (brothers are good, too) that are standing in the gap and battling and holding you up – then start reaching out. It is so important to have that support system.

The flip side of this is even when you are in the midst of the valley look around and ask yourself each day, “Who can I encourage?” Earlier in chapter 5 Paul reminds us that we are sons of the light and that fact should fill us with hope. In 5:11 He is calling us to be a community of light that supports one another.

Honestly, I’m not that great at it. My sisters definitely outshine me in this area, but because of their example I want to be better. That my friends is the point. In Hebrew 10:23-25 the writer explains it perfectly.

Hebrews 23 “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (NLT)

Their good example makes me want to follow suit. It spurs me on to good deeds. Thank you Jesus for godly friends 🙌🏻❤️

Who can you encourage today?