Hi, this is Joni Eareckson Tada, and I wonder, are you an encourager?
Because we all need an encourager, don’t we! We lose perspective, we forget the big picture, our vision shrinks, and it all makes for a lot of discouragement. I'm thinking of the story of Elijah. Now you know him, he was a guy who forgot the big picture—ironically enough, right after a very successful ministry campaign. Even though he had performed spectacular miracles just the day before, the following day this guy hit rock bottom. Does that sound familiar? Has it happened to you?
In Elijah’s mind, he’d had enough: “Let someone else do the hard work. I'm tired and I'm throwing in the towel of ministry.” Now, look what happens to Elijah next. God sends an angel of encouragement. But the angel doesn’t stand there exasperated with his hands on his hips, saying, “Elijah, come on now, what in the world do you have to complain about? I mean, let’s get a little perspective: you’ve got God on your side, you’ve got this wonderful ministry, people love you (at least some people), your prayers get answered (and with big time answers)! You have everything going for you, so would you please quit feeling sorry for yourself and get your act together? Shape up! Quit being a wimp!”
That doesn’t sound very encouraging, does it? But how many of us honestly think that way when a Christian friend of ours gets discouraged? Like, we think, “C’mon now, you’re in a good Bible study, you’ve got a great marriage, you go to a good church, you have a wonderful job and good kids… get with it!” You know, the angel could have said that to Elijah. But it wouldn’t have been encouraging. So instead of saying something, the angel did something. He provided rest and food to eat. He offered a listening ear and even agreed with Elijah that he needed help. And after a time of rest, the angel then presented Elijah with new work to do, as if he knew that prophet needed to switch his focus off himself and onto others.
And friend here’s the thing, that lesson is for us all. When encouraging others in the work of ministry, sometimes it’s best not to say anything, but just create an opportunity for them to rest and be refreshed: bake up something tasty, take your friend to lunch, to the park for a picnic with your kids, get their focus on something different, because it is often the best way to encourage a friend who has become weary.
And just as surely as the angel of the Lord personally gave Elijah rest and strength, aren’t you glad that He places His angels, His ministering spirits, around us. And, oh, I thank the Lord for my Christian friends who, when I get discouraged or even depressed, don’t privately think to themselves, “Come on Joni, you of all people?! What have you got to be discouraged about? Look how God is using you. You’ve got this wonderful ministry; you’ve got God on your side; c’mon, get it together, girl!” (And actually, I want you to know I do have a couple of Christian friends who are more than happy to give me that kind of straight talk). But, oh, the really encouraging people in my life—and I bet in your life, too—are those who offer quiet and rest, a change of focus, and something fun, something different to do. Elijah was able to turn the corner and get back on track. Friend, do you feel like throwing in the towel today? Well, Elijah would understand; most of all, God understands—and He’s ready to refresh and revive your heart. Hey, let us here at Joni and Friends encourage you. Visit my radio page today at joniandfriends.org and tell us how we can pray; let us know how we can serve you!
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