I’m known as an optimistic and encouraging person. People come to me for advice and words of encouragement. I am also passionate when it comes to helping them increase their faith during times of trouble. There is no question when it comes to the faith I feel as I encourage and pray for them. However, I must confess that sometimes I can’t seem to find the same faith and zeal when it comes to encouraging myself. I’m definitely guilty of encouraging others while worrying for myself.
Job was a blameless, God fearing man. After losing everything, including his children, he is feeling extremely down and began cursing the day he was born. His friend responds by saying, “In the past you have encouraged many people; you have strengthened those who were weak. Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees. But now when trouble strikes you, you lose heart. You are terrified when it touches you. doesn’t your reverence for God give you confidence?” Seems as if Job was always that optimistic, encouraging friend to many, but now that he was in a time of great trouble, he grew weary and felt defeated. Job was guilty of encouraging others while worrying for his own life. Why wasn’t he able to encourage himself just as he did for others? Why is it so hard to find faith for our own lives?
Are you guilty of encouraging others while worrying about your own life? We must remind ourselves that God is forever the same, and that the trouble we face should bring us closer to God. Have a faith flashback to the many times God has come through for you. You are here right now and have survived every problem you have ever faced. Look to God and don’t grow weary. Let the trials lead you back to God. Remember that as Christians, not only are we to be glorified with Him, we are to share in his suffering as well (Romans 8:17, Acts 5:41). Take courage and remind yourself that He causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Neither trouble, calamity, fear for today or worries for tomorrow can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-38). Encourage yourself, keep the faith!
