Encouragement

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I believe there is time for restoration in hearts and minds amid challenges of this world. And can best be accomplished through the word of God.

Especially leaning on the sanctuary of Psalm 23, beginning with verse 1. Reading these blessed words is like sinking one’s teeth into a delicious meal. It can be a comforting wind pushing encouragement forward as a series of ocean waves.

I know a fellow who once had Acrophobia, and his wife was quite discouraged.

He had been a successful businessman who lost everything, followed by bankruptcy. Unable to hold his head up high he withdrew into his personal cave, a bedroom from which he barely peeked.

Apparently, that was the way he lived for several years.

At first, his wife did not know what to do. She was a Christian woman and listening to the Holy Spirit brought a solution that came as a flash of electricity. After holding our weekly Bible Study classes in her home, he eventually joined the group.

It began with his coming to watch, then sit and finally becoming a valuable member of our conversational studies.

Although it took several months, he joined his wife and both were used as vessels of God’s work. He is a happy man today, able to blink back his hesitation and quite capable of participating in the adventures of life.

Similar limitations can descend like an Alzheimer affliction, upon each of us, thus transferring memories into shadows in daily living. Such disabilities can severely limit our role in society, and destroy any effective communication.

But we can overcome difficulties if we are one with El Shaddai, our God and Protector. Yes, as it says in the opening curtain of Psalm 23, the Lord is my Shepherd and I have everything I need.

It is our choice to reach out, and believe. And most times is our only escape from darkness into the changing light.

We serve a living God, One who desires we arise in His strength.

Only then can our hopes among sorrows be presented to the world. Hope can be used as a method of honoring Him, since a positive-minded person can be more effective in society. Especially if we wish to help others achieve by overcoming their own personal struggles.

Sorrows are not wholly negative since they provide a training manual from which we grow to succeed.

God’s Word says He will never overload us with difficulties to the point we cannot be successful in life. And I believe it to be true. During our childhood we escape the world by hide and seek. Another is Kick the Can, then run away before someone catches us.

After growing into adulthood there is learning to do, and we must persevere with a whole new set of rules.

We do wish to graduate from childhood. And we do desire to be a helping person in today’s society. Indeed, it is truly possible with our God, a Living Spirit who dwells within us.

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© Richard L. Provencher 2006

Richard & Esther live in Truro, Nova Scotia. They have four children and five grandchildren. Their novel FOOTPRINTS is available from www.synergebooks.com. Both are busy in church work and community outreach. They welcome (adult only) feedback regarding their writing at: [email protected].

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