Encourage and Strengthen Each Other
Michelle Marie Hernandez
October 4, 2014
Encourage and Strengthen Each Other

encouraging fatherWhen was the last time you struggled with something in your soul? Perhaps you wrestled with self-doubt or discouragement following a mistake or a series of disappointments. Maybe fear threatened you to not dare move forward in faith. From time to time, we all struggle with conflicting emotions, thoughts, and wills.

Fortunately, we don’t have to fight our battles alone. Romans 8:34 reassures us that Jesus intercedes for all who believe in Him. God may also lead people with the spiritual gift of intercession to pray for us.

Sometimes help comes when we let family members and friends know what we’re going through. In addition to praying for us, they can remind us of the truth we need to overcome in that moment. Sometimes we simply need to hear:

  • You are not alone.
  • You will be okay.
  • You won’t always feel this way.
  • You are stronger than you think.
  • You can do/get through this.
  • I believe in you.
  • Just breathe.

The Apostle Paul knew believers would face struggles on this earth. Years ago, he advised them to not only arm themselves with faith, hope, love, and self-control—but also to encourage each other and give each other strength (1 Thessalonians 5:8, 11). If we continue to apply these words of wisdom in our lives today, we, too, will emerge victorious from every struggle.

2 Comments

  1. Mary Kay Tortorice

    Michelle,

    Thanks for your monthly newsletter. I enjoy your writings and feel closer to God as I read them. Today’s was especially appropriate as I prayed earlier this morning that Satan would not enter my life today. He’s relentless and we must stay close to Jesus and repeat his name often as Satan hates the name of Jesus.

    Congratulations on continuing your ministry.

    Sincerely,

    Mary Kay

  2. Michelle Marie Hernandez

    Thank you, Mary. Several others have commented on the timeliness of my newsletter this month–even though I sent it out a little later than use. My feature article, “Rise Up, Mighty Warriors” came from my own personal experience. The enemy was attacking my loved on, which of course also affected me. God showed me what I could do to encourage and strengthen them. I kept hearing “mighty warrior” in my spirit and knew that’s how God sees us. The intent of my message is to equip and encourage God’s people to be who they are.