This world is changing fast. Who would have thought that you could be in contact with someone on the other side of the world within seconds? Technology is changing our lives faster than we can comprehend it. A hundred years ago, it was just beginning. Telephones were just coming into homes. A cry for help could speed the doctor or fire truck on their way. A child could call home. Friends could reunite.
Today, the computer, with its world of internet, has linked us to even more places and more people than ever. We can chat with strangers in the other hemisphere, as if they were sitting across the table, sipping coffee with us. We can read news as it happens. We can “speak” with many people at the same time. We can fellowship with Believers from other cultures and languages.
I’ve seen God use the power of cyber prayer. I’ve opened my morning “mail” to find a prayer for me, written by a sister who, because of severe pain, couldn’t sleep and prayed for me in the night. Oh, the power of prayer! A missionary is ill with malaria, or needs protection in a dangerous situation, or lacks a visa to cross a border. With a few taps on their keyboard, the cry for prayer goes out, and fellow believers all over the world lift them in prayer. Also, we can rejoice immediately and share their joy of God’s answer.
Written words are powerful, and like spoken words, they must be watched and guarded. The reader cannot see your gestures or hear the intonations. There is the chance you might be misunderstood and feeling hurt. Submit your writing to His will and working of the Spirit to be used for His glory. He can do mighty things through your hands. “Let words of my mouth (and pen) be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
I love to give hugs to all those around me, but when my friends are thousands of miles away, it’s a little hard. I’ve learned to be sensitive to others feelings as I read their emails. Are they lonely? Are they in pain? Are they discouraged? A verse or prayer can lift my friend or sister-in-th-Lord. Just a smiley or a cyber hug can heal a hurting heart. I’ve gotten quite creative with the keyboard symbols, making my own smileys and icons.
Has God given you the gift of encouragement? Let the Lord use your emails to touch others, to lift them, to pray “with” them, to make them smile.
{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}
Read more articles by Yvonne Blake or search for articles on the same topic or others.
Encouragement is needed in this world of woe. Encouragement comes in many forms even when it seems to some as being too harsh. Truth will always encourage as a final result. Thank you!
