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by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada
"He will not crush the weakest reed or put out flickering candle. " (Isaiah 42:3)
How should we be encouraged?
We hear negative notes from every where. Those rob us out of all our enthusiasm if anything left in us. Solar panel works only when there is sun rays. Likewise, a word of encouragement has a far reaching effect on those who are poor, sad, distressed and dejected and weak. It helps them to recover from all their depressing conditions. When we feel broken and bruised or burned out of our spiritual and physical strength, God will not toss you out. He will gently pick you up. God’s loving attributes are desperately needed in the world today. Christ says, "My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." (John 10:10). When he saw Nathaniel, Jesus said, “you are a man of complete integrity." What a wonderful word of encouragement! We can show such sensitivity to people around us, reflecting God’s goodness and honesty to them.
Sijo studied in a village government school in Kerala. He just passed the tenth grade. He could not write one English word without mistakes. He came to Chennai for higher studies in an English medium school. But it was a Herculean task for him. His English teacher once remarked: “If Sijo pass English, I will resign my job." His biology teacher made him cry every day. Most of the teachers lost hope. Even the principal wanted him not to write the final examination. Sijo’s tenacity will not allow him to give up. He wanted to write the exam. A few teachers encouraged and supported him to go ahead. They counseled him. At last he wrote the exams. He passed English, Hindi and mathematics in the first attempt. Then, with the consistent encouragement of some faithful teachers, he also passed chemistry and physics. In his third attempt, he passed the final paper, biology, with high marks. Then he joined for nursing in Bangalore. If he had not got the support and encouragement of a few teachers, Sijo would have ended up in dropping out of his class.
Give a helping hand to those who are at their weakest point by your words, presence, finance, prayer etc.
Jesus, you are our encouragement and life. We pray for those who are weak, and depressed. Give them your word of support and encouragement. We need your spirit, to be strengthened and exemplified by your character in our life. We ask this in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
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