Wednesday Word // Encouragement.

 What has God taught you about encouraging others in the blog world / real world?  Whew! Can I start with that?!  First, let me address the "What has God taught you" portion of the sentence.  God has taught me SO many things, but and foremost God has taught me to trust Him in every situation.  Lately, I've found myself in the dark on so many decisions / events in life and I've left my full trust in His care.  And I feel wonderful.  I feel encouraged.  So, what has He taught me about encouraging others?  It is vital.  It is as necessary as taking the next breath of life.  Without Him, we are dying and going to hell.  Living a good life doesn't give you that automatic pass into Heaven's gates.  We have to earn our keep and God is there pushing us the entire way. o "It's scary."  You are dang right it's scary.  Don't you think God knows you are scared and shy to stand up for Him?  He is challenging you, friend. o "I don't know what to say."  None of us do.  God will provide the words, you provide the source. o "I don't know enough to tell anyone else."  Honestly, this is the one that gets me the most.  For a long time I feared that I didn't have all the answers for a lost soul.  And then God smacked me in the face and I realized I'll never have ALL the answers.  That's why he wants all His children to come to Him.  He is our safe-house.  STOP making excuses.  Get out there and tell a friend / family member about God's love for you and I.  We are His children.  And I for one want all my loved ones with me one day when we are walking into those pearly gates.  So, to answer the prompt, God has taught me to be ME.  He has taught me to stand up for what I believe in and not feel ashamed by it.  He has taught me that He is my Father and will be there for me and you in every situation in life.  He has taught me to pray, and pray hard, for our world and our brothers.  God has taught me encouragement and He has shown me encouragement. What has He taught you?