“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” (2 Chronicles 15:7)
At a recent Bible Study a friend shared how during the week she had an on going battle with her teenage daughter over cleaning her room. Finally she went to her room and began working on her Bible study she actually turned to the wrong chapter but ended up reading this verse and knew that God had directed her to it. It reminded her to hang in there that the work she was doing as a mother will be rewarded someday.
Thinking about this verse during the night, one that was filled without sleep again due to the pain, I too was reminded that even though we may live with chronic pain, and sometimes wonder if anything good can come from our lives, that if we remain strong in the Lord. In our service to Him we will to be rewarded someday. We may not be able to do some of the things that we use to do but we can all lift others up in prayer, and many can make phone calls or send notes of encouragement. All of these things will someday be rewarded by our loving Heavenly Father.
We may never know the lives we impact by the way we handle the circumstances surrounding our illness. God’s desire is that we use the experiences we have to reach out and encourage others. Oftentimes I find that if I can encourage someone else I am the one that receives the blessing. So if today you feel like giving up, or feel like your strength to keep going is almost gone, look for someone who you can encourage and take heart. One day you will be rewarded!
Don’t forget those closest to you a note to a spouse or caregiver can lighten their load and brighten their day.
Prayer: Lord, as the world celebrates Valentine’s Day it is easy to feel like I am not loved and appreciated, even just acknowledged, like I desire to be. God, remind me that You love me with an everlasting love and that the best way I can find joy today is to encourage someone else who needs to know that someone (like me!) notices and appreciates them.
About the author:
Linda Aufrance lives in Arizona with her husband of 37 years. She has 2 grown children and 3 beautiful grandchildren. She lives daily with the struggles of multiple sclerosis, lupus, and diabetes, but rests in the assurance that God is in control and tries to share His love with those she comes in contact with.
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What are some things that you have done to help encourage someone? When you encourage someone how does it make you feel?
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