Five Words That Can Change Your Life
I love words. Words can change your life. Words are my vocation, partly because of some encouraging words I received when I was only a senior in high school.
Years ago, a stranger clipped my senior picture from the local paper and enclosed it with a hand-written, encouraging note in the mail: “You have a beautiful smile.” Just five words–and a simple gesture that took maybe five or ten minutes, but can you guess I started flashing my pearly whites after that?
Those thoughtful words made such an impression on me that I decided I could do the same thing. As a young wife and mom I started scouring our small-town newspaper for articles about people: wedding announcements, death notices, school honorees–anything that warranted a “Good for you!” “I’m praying for you,” or “I’m so sorry.”
People would call me, wondering why a stranger would take the time to send them a note. I wasn’t trying to enlist them for anything. I was simply copying a kind deed someone had done for me. I kept remembering Paul’s words in the book of Acts that talked about how Jesus went about doing good (Acts 10:38). Maybe my simple “words” could classify as doing some good for others.
But it took a negative experience to cement my belief in the true power of encouragement: working in a job where words of encouragement were as scarce as the time given me to complete the demanding work overload for two anxious employers. I was young and inexperienced but it seemed as if mistakes were, um, unforgivable. The constant lack of grace, sensitivity, and encouragement left me drained–and sent me home sprawling across my bed in tears on many nights.
I hadn’t yet discovered my love of words through writing then, but I knew enough to recognize the power of positive, encouraging words. God reminded me of the powerful words of Proverbs 25:11 (NIV): “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
The job ended after a year but my determination solidified: With God’s help, I would always try to paint word pictures that would bring beauty, encouragement, and healing–ones that would create “apples of gold in settings of silver” in the hearts of others.
Ultimately it was–and is–God’s encouragement that constantly lifts my spirits and keeps me positive and loving life. Listen to some of His words of encouragement:
- “I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:2 NIV).
- “My peace I give you” (John 14:27 NIV).
- “I will not forget you” (Isaiah 49:15 NIV).
- “I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV).
- “You are precious and honored” (Isaiah 43:4 NIV).
Now, those are the kind of words that can change your life.
What about you? When and how have you discovered the power of encouragement? What words have encouraged you? How have the words of God and others changed your life? Challenge for study: What five words in Scripture can you find that have made (or could make) a difference in your life?
(Condensed adaptation from Day-votions™ for Women, © 2009, Rebecca Barlow Jordan (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan).
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8 Responses to “Five Words That Can Change Your Life”
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Rebecca Barlow Jordan is a best-selling inspirational author and speaker, mom, wife, grandmom, and passionate follower of Jesus who loves to encourage others, heart to heart.Rebecca’s Newsletter
Yup,
your gift for words lifted my soul so much this day,and I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I was just outside praising the Lord and lifting His name up high and then came back in to see the answer from the Lord on daily inspirations, FROM THE FATHER’S HEART
My child, do you know how much I enjoy blessing My children? Do you understand that all I want for you are good things? But it is also My goodness that forgives and prods your heart when it needs changing. It is My goodness that allows tests to come your way. It is My goodness that holds you in the palm of My hand and will not let you go. I love you, My child.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
I stand unworthy of any good thing. Yet You, Lord, continue to pour into my life good and perfect gifts. Daily blessings, special relationships, answered prayers, undeserved favors—You give them all, Lord. Even in difficult times, Your goodness is always evident. Thank You, Lord.
My husband and I have been through some seriously rough times, but through it all we have not complained, as a matter of fact we have praised and worshiped the Lord even more than before the trials that came upon us. You see we understand that my my my the Lord loves us so much that He has found us worthy of being chastened.
Your words have worked a wondrous work on my heart this morning,as we are believing for a wonderful blessing and it was as though the Lord were saying through you, exactly what we are believing for. Thank you very much for sharing your gift of words with us.
Tammy Levesque Monroe WA
Rebecca…this article triggered a memory of mine from 1992. I was working for a college textbook publishing company as a receptionist. I also answered the phone. One day I messed up a phone communication for one our employees who had given me specific instructions to be very careful with this call. I was quite distraught over this woman’s response to the situation. My apologies did nothing to calm her down.
I spent an anxious night praying and wondering what I should do to try to impact the situation in a Christ-like manner. This woman was not a Christian and I wanted to respond to her as Christ would have me.
The Holy Spirit reminded me of Matt. 6:1-4 where Jesus spoke about rewarding us for what we do in secret. So, I decided to go to work early. I stopped at the grocery store on the way to purchase a flowering plant to place on her desk with a card saying, “Have a nice day!” No signature…I was able to complete my “secret mission” without her seeing me. I went on with my day at my desk comforted that I had been obedient to Christ.
Imagine my surprise when she later asked me if I was the one who had given her the plant! I guess my face gave her the answer, because she threw her arms around me and hugged me and thanked me! All was well….because I did something in secret that God used to heal a broken relationship!
I was truly blessed because of God’s faithfulness to His Word. I have shared this a number of times through the years to encourage others to do the same.
Thank you for your kind words. It sounds like God has taught you much through your difficulties. May He continue to bless you.
Rebecca
Docena,
What a wonderful experience and lesson you shared. Your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit made the difference. And God truly is faithful to His Word. Keep sharing that story. It will encourage many, just as it did me.
Blessings, Rebecca
Those words meant the world to me. I know words are very important and can either make or break you. That’s the reason I
speak the word of God daily on my life.
Life is already so difficult, that we need the sweet words of our Lord to help build and uplift us when we are down or as a daily
meal as it were.
Thanks, Patty, for your encouraging comments. The words of God are so powerful!
I would 2 focus more on God.what does it take to pray 2 God and hear from Him.
Thanks, Cecilia, for sharing your thoughts and comments!