Christian Living

Looking For Encouragement

by paul hoffmaster
10/23/20
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Encouragement is an active ingredient in the Christian’s daily walk.  When one sees faith activated in the lives of other Believers, it awakens the courage and boldness to face the challenges in life.  Horizontal encouragement offer opportunities to restart a weakened faith.  For years, I have encouraged Christians to share their faith.  When a battle is won, tell somebody!  When obstacles are overcome, tell somebody!  When the storms of life fall as the “Sonlight” rises in the individual, tell somebody!  When circumstances are crushed by the faithful actions of the Believer, tell somebody!  Timidity has hindered the expressions of so many Christians and, as a result, horizontal encouragement is harder to find.  For those who have failed to hook up with “faith-ers,” I would like to offer a road map that will lead to a place of encouragement.

The section in the Bible known as Hebrews has a chapter that displays the names of individuals that have achieved the status of “Heroes of Faith.”  From Abel, Abraham, Moses, David, and countless other names we see those who honored God with their faithful actions.  The things they went THROUGH should bring light to those who are struggling with their faith.  Even though they never received the priceless “promise” of the Messiah, they continued to exhibit their faith. (Hebrews 11:39)

The writer of Hebrews urges his readers to realize that the great saints that have gone on before them have left examples of faith for every person to observe.  The author moves from the roll call of faith to encouraging the seeking saint to look at what Jesus did when facing the cross.  Jesus looked beyond the cross to what awaited Him on the other side of death.  Realizing that He would once again be sitting on the “right hand of the throne of God” He endured the suffering and shame of the cross with JOY! (Hebrews 12:2) 

In Jesus’ powerful prayer recorded in John chapter 17, we see Him praying as if He had already been crucified!  He prayed, “…I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” (John 17:4)  He had not been betrayed or appeared before the kangaroo court, let alone been crucified, yet He faithfully realized that on the other side of the cross He and the Father would be joined together as ONE. (John 17:22) 

Believers must adjust their minds and accompanied thoughts to see beyond the problems.  If a Christian lacks horizontal encouragement, let him look to the “cloud of witnesses.”  Building upon the faith of the saints before us, let us also look to Jesus who is the “author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)  While the Believer continues in his walk of faith, Jesus is continually making intercession for him with God. (Hebrews 7:25)

Be encouraged by the faith of other BELIEVERS.  Be encouraged by the faith of the HEROES OF FAITH.  Be encouraged by JESUS HIMSELF!