Has anyone ever encouraged you? If so, you understand how that feels. What if you could make encouragement a boomerang, or a “pass it forward” gift to offer others as well?
With only a little effort and minimal expense, here’s a unique way to encourage others that will make a difference in anyone’s life:
A Unique Way to Encourage Others
Recently, I was sorting through stacks of saved memorabilia and uncovered a group of envelopes dated almost 20 years ago. All of the envelopes were the same size and each were numbered consecutively for eight days.
As I began to open the simple note cards, I noticed a pattern. Every note contained a Bible verse and a positive word of encouragement regarding some of the names of God/Jesus. But none of them were signed.
The names and attributes of God/Jesus is a favorite theme I write about in my books, but I couldn’t immediately remember who had given me these cards. The handwriting did look familiar.
Later, I opened some other greeting cards saved from a different year and recognized the same handwriting. Only this card carried the encourager’s signature. Of course! “Granny Ruth.”
I wrote about the late Granny Ruth in my book, Day-votions® for Grandmothers, and shared the chapter about her in one of my past blogs here. “Encourager” fits this sweet woman’s character well. If I were to interview every person who knew Ruth, each would admit having received at least one note or card of encouragement from her.
I looked at the dates again on the eight cards from Ruth. That year my husband and I spent a week on an overseas mission trip. Then I remembered. Ruth had given those to me before I left with instructions to open one each day while I was away.
Here is what Ruth wrote on those unique, encouraging notes to me. I’ll let you look up the verses:
Day 1: Titus 2:11
The supernatural is alive in you that you might share and help bring others to know Him.
His name is Adonai! (He is Lord)
Day 2: Hebrews 6:10
He has set you apart to be His messenger in all kinds of ways.
His name is Jehovah Mekoddishkem! (The Lord Your Sanctifier)
Day 3: Matthew 6:9
Today as I pray (as always) your name will be called out to our Great Jehovah God.
His name is Jehovah! (He is Holy – He is I AM).
Day 4: Isaiah 41:10
How great it is to know that no matter what lies ahead for us, God is there to strengthen, help, and hold us in His righteous right hand.
His name is El Elyon! (The Strongest One)
Day 5: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Keeping in a constant state of praise and rejoicing, we become more aware of His presence in our lives and our circumstances.
His name is Jehovah Shammah!
(The Lord Who Is Present)
Day 6: Matthew 6:34
How often have we been reminded with God there is a plan. For Him, there are no surprises. What comfort to rest in this thought, this truth.
His name is Jehovah Jireh! (The Lord Will Provide)
Day 7: Psalm 23
The journey for you now is coming to an end but certainly not the message you are leaving behind. I can only imagine the joy that is in your heart. Be refreshed by David’s words.
His name is Jehovah Raah! (The Lord is My Shepherd)
Day 8: Isaiah 52:7, Romans 10:15
What greater joy than to proclaim our awesome God! May the blessings you have already received spill over onto those around you.
His name is El Shaddai! (Almighty God)
*****************************************
Would those notes encourage you? Ruth’s notes and her prayers not only encouraged me. I am certain they brought God’s action during that week. How precious to look back now and realize how Ruth’s notes and prayers may have influenced that trip’s outcome. I wrote about that amazing week and the miracles God did on our mission trip in my book, 40 Days in God’s Blessing.
And I continued to write about God’s attributes, activities, and faithfulness in my most recent book, Day-votions® with Your Faithful Father: 90 Days with the One Who Wants to Meet All Your Needs. Find out how He wants to help you. God is, after all, the Ultimate Encourager.
Who can you encourage today? Ask God to show you a way to encourage others. It can be simple, but it will be unique, because God created you uniquely!
You might also enjoy this post about encouragement: Do you Need Encouragement in Your Discouragement?
It’s Your Turn
What unique way to encourage others have you tried? How has someone encouraged you? I love to hear from readers. You can always write me through my contact page and fill out the basic name and address info; then the email will come to me. Your name or info will never be shared with anyone without your permission.
Share This Post with Others
Using the share buttons below or from my Facebook profile page, please feel free to share about my website or this blog post with others in your social media circles so we can work together in encouraging others toward intimacy with God. Please do not reproduce any of my blog posts without express and written permission from me.
If you haven’t signed up for my weekly posts and newsletter updates, remember to do so soon. I think you’ll enjoy the complimentary ebook that you’ll receive when you sign up. You can also follow me on Goodreads, and if you are visual, like me, you can follow my boards on Pinterest.