Matt Richards
2 Corinthians 7:6,7 But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!
You know God is the God of all comfort. He is the God who encourages those who are discouraged. And how does He encourage us when things are hard?; well often He uses people. People like you n me. Here Paul in the previous chapter is talking about enduring troubles, hardships and calamities of all kinds. 'We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food.' When bad things happen to us it's easy to be discouraged. You can imagine Paul wondering if he had done anything wrong, or if it was all worth it. So in Paul's exhaustion, in his weariness and discouragement God sends him encouragement: through Titus. You know today i want to be a Titus. Paul said of Titus 'he encouraged, refreshed and cheered us.' I want to be someone that their very presence encourages, refreshes and cheers. The message says Paul 'went from worry to tranquility in no time!' Today i challenge you to be an encourager. Be someone that can who can get alongside someone who is going through some stuff and cheer them on. In a world of haters, criticizes, and hardships be an encourager. Encourage someone today with a text, a message, a phone call or a coffee. It can make all the difference. You can be an answer to someone's prayer, you can be a minister of encouragement. Prayer:
Father forgive me for being self absorbed. Holy Spirit help me to be a minister of encouragement to others today in Jesus name amen.