VICTORY Call

Encourage Someone Today

Proverbs 12:25 reads: "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad."

This was my devotional reading for today, given by the writer, Joyce Meyer. She writes about the struggle we might have with worry, anxiety or just a feeling of fear with no specific cause of source.

I thought to myself, "That has been me this last year of 2007!" I read the end of this verse and realized that the word "encouraging" is so important to all of us - yes, even Christians. We need each other. God tells us this in John 13:34-35.

Looking back to the start of 2007 I was enjoying life with my family in Lancaster when I fell. I had to return home earlier than planned to visit a specialist. A broken bone in my foot added to my muscle disease (41 years, now) brought discouragement! The "black boot" I had to wear would discourage anyone! However, my husband, family, friends and especially my sister brought encouragement. God's Word was given to me in cards and phone calls, and prayers of many were my strength. My special encouragement came from two Keswick staff children who drew pictures and wrote uplifting words. I will never forget the words written on one picture: "I'm glad you are in my life." You know I've kept it in my "treasure folder".

The whole year seemed to be pain and treatments, and then at the end of 2007 I fell and hit my rib cage. I won't give you the details, but I can even laugh at myself for this accident (not dizzy or fainting - just a dumb mistake)

In my devotion today Joyce said, "Find something to be happy about; think about all the good things God has done for you." Of course, John 10:10 explains His love! I've been thinking of just this. You see, 2007 brought great blessings, too. In June my sister and husband celebrated 50 years of marriage, and in September Jack and I celebrated the same. We had such a great party given by our children - seeing all our former friends, young people we worked with at a former church for 30 years, and even our new friends made these past years. Encouraging words given just as we needed them, and given in love! We have read and reread the cards several times.

Then Jack's mom passed away that summer, and the sorrow returned. Seeing the friends and hearing the encouraging words again brought comfort. Mom had prayed for many that were at the funeral - and had led many of them to the Lord in Bible school, Sunday school, and, yes, even here at Keswick as a counselor during youth week.

So, encourage someone - not for me, but for the Lord! It is a blessing to them - and to you. You'll be glad you did! Proverbs 12:25 tells you so. Talk with God today and give Him thanks - for everything! I did. That's why I can write again for Victory Call.

Dottie Noel is the wife of Chaplain Jack Noel. One of her many loves is praying for people. She has prayed for thousands of our KESWICK friends.