HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO LIFT UP A DISCOURAGED LEADER?

Today's promise: Overcoming discouragement brings great blessing

Have you been able to lift up a discouraged leader?

Commission Joshua and encourage him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them the land you now see before you.

Deuteronomy 3:28 NLT

Discouraged encourager

When people spoke with Pastor Larry, they couldn't help feeling better about themselves. But the community he worked in deteriorated. Many people left for better jobs and were replaced by transient families with fewer skills. Schools and stores changed overnight.

Larry felt alienated in a community that once embraced his encouragement. He was ready to throw in the towel. Then an elderly woman named Pearl visited him. "I've watched you for nearly 10 years as you consoled, shepherded, and ministered to this community. You've been an encouragement to everyone," she said.

"Then why are so many people leaving and being replaced by individuals hostile to God's Word?" Larry asked.

"God has brought them to you to grow in your ministry," Pearl said. "I believe God gifted you with an encouraging heart for a time such as this."

Larry thanked Pearl for her honesty, then excused himself to go home. As he approached his house, a family of three greeted him. "Thank you, Pastor," said the father. "We've been to three other cities but never really felt at home till we arrived here."

David Farr in God's Men.

Adapted from Men of Integrity Devotional Bible with devotionals by the editors of Men of Integrity magazine (Christianity Today, Intl), Tyndale House Publishers (2002), p 209.

Don't be discouraged; it may be the last key in the bunch that opens the door.

STONSIFER

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House