Encouraged

Now I don't know about you, but this little guy walking towards me with his shades, hat, and a bunch of balloons would definitely bring encouragement!  He is adorable!

Reading today in Acts about Paul being attacked by his fellow citizens and then being threatened with the whip, then the plan to kill him.  Paul was under attack and he had to be feeling pretty low.  Waiting alone in a prison cell, but he wasn't alone.  In Acts 23:11 these words were shared, "Be encouraged, Paul.  Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well."  Now not  just any messenger brought this news the Lord brought this good news to tell Paul you will return to Rome your desire will happen. The is one of Paul's visions that he experienced at very crucial points in his ministry.  What a gift God gave him!  Imagine at one of the lowest points, the LORD shares news of your heart desires with you!  Happens doesn't it?  If we are paying attention, God does this for us too!

Today, reading I was encouraged that on the tough days He sees me and He brings me a good word, just like He did Paul!  He saw me today through His Word.  What happens if we aren't reading His Word?  Do we miss His encouraging Word that fits that moment in your life that you so desperately need HIS WORDS not that of a friend, but the Savior of the Universe is who you need!

Paul was alone in a cell.  Cold, Dark, Concrete, not a luxury cell - no this is a true cell!  No comforts were in Paul's cell.  It was hard, it was lonely, it was cold, it was dark - kind of like the world that surrounds each of us, but God does show up to offer encouragement! He does not leave us alone! 

Lord, Thank you for the gift of Your Precious Word.  The Word that tells me that indeed you see me and that I am not alone to face the path that is ahead.  You are holding my hand to accompany to the dance of life that is sometimes hard, but I am never alone because YOU are always with me.  I love you.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie