by Desiree Bustamante

An encouraging word sustains us as we navigate this life.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people.
2 Chronicles 32:7-8 New Living Translation

Have you ever kept a note or card from someone because it contained a special message that encouraged you? Maybe it’s become a precious treasure because it comforted you in a time of loss, strengthened you to keep going through a difficult period or moved you to feel loved. Hezekiah spoke words of encouragement to Israel as they feared going to war with Assyria. His words brought peace to their hearts and led them to look to the Lord for salvation from their enemy.

As God’s dearly loved children, He knows our hearts need words of love and affirmation when our road is long and hard and weariness overtakes us. God often prompts people to reach out to us with words directly meant to let us know that we are special to them and to our Heavenly Father. We then remember God’s words of love to us, which strengthen our hearts and uplift our souls.

We are assured through these acts of encouragement that our God loves us, and we have a family in Christ that does, too. How faithful God is to never abandon us in this life while we wait for His promises to be fulfilled!

Thank you, Lord, for providing me with people who encourage me and point me to you when I need it most. Thank you for your kindness to me and the blessing of your word. Amen.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado