Encouragement – It Goes Both Ways

At one point in last night’s message, Br. Finney spoke of the great need for him to be able to lift his wife up in prayer, specifically when she was overwhelmed with life’s troubles. How very crucial, in a relationship (whether it be husband/wife, pastor/church, friend/friend, sibling/sibling, etc.) that we do our own part of bearing the other person’s burdens. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2  We all have times when we feel as if the pressures of life are unbearable, and how very thankful we are to know that there are certain individuals, especially, who are praying for us as well as offering words of encouragement. We have that confidence in them because they have proven themselves faithful, tried, and true.

But, when the tables are turned, are we doing our part in their lives? Do our loved ones and friends have that same confidence in us? In Judges 13, we read of Samson’s parents who had just received a visit from an angel – telling of the forthcoming birth of Samson. After the angel ascended back to heaven, Manoah’s heart was suddenly gripped with fear:

“And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.” Judges 13:22

But, Manoah’s wife was quick to assure him that all would be well. They had just received a promise from God for a son…why would He turn around and kill them?

“But his wife said unto him, If the LORD were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering and a meat offering at our hands, neither would he have shewed us all these things, nor would as at this time have told us such things as these.” Judges 13:23

At this point in their relationship, Manoah’s wife was playing the role of an encourager. A portion of Matthew Henry’s comments on this passage are:

{Here the weaker vessel was the stronger believer, which perhaps was the reason why the angel chose once and again to appear to her. Manoah’s heart began to fail him, but his wife, as a help meet for him, encouraged him. Two are better than one, for, if one fall into dejections and despondencies, the other will help to raise him up. Yoke-fellows should piously assist each other’s faith and joy as there is occasion.} ~ Matthew Henry

In whatever relationships God allows us to enjoy, may we not always find ourselves on the receiving end of prayer and edification.  We must remember that there are times when others are overwhelmed with fear, grief, dejection, etc. and it is those times that we are to play our role of encourager as we lift up others with prayer and words of assurance.

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9,10

~ Rachel ~