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I was fresh from engineering school with very optimistic and enthusiastic outlook on life. Life was one straight route full of opportunities, or so I thought; and I was excited! I got my first job, and had my first baptism of fire in office politics! 

One of the managers, loved to be “worshipped,” and intimidated anyone who failed to accord him such pleasures. In my young mind, I did not see what made him so arrogant, and I was happy he was not in my line of reporting. I kept my distance from him.

But characteristic of such people, he easily noticed I avoided hailing him the way the others did, and started working through my supervisor to intimidate me. It was new to me, and I was breaking down! 

Being a Mama’s boy, I ran to my Mama, who got me in touch with Rev. Samuel Quartey (now The Very Rev. Samuel Quartey); who was once the Minister-In-Charge at the local Methodist Church where my Mom worships.

My meeting with Rev. Quartey was very  brief; he listened to me quietly without asking any questions or commenting. Then when I finished talking, he simply told me, 

"Don't worry. Nothing will happen."

Then he prayed with me.

Although that was not what I expected, that brief statement, and prayer gave me such energy that I went back and faced my antagonist fully, which surprised him.

Sometimes, all we need is someone to speak words of hope and encouragement into our lives; and pray with us.

Bible admonishes us to encourage the fainthearted, and help the weak.

READ 1 Thessalonians 5:14

“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV)

Paul is believed to have written this letter to the Thessalonians from Corinth, during his second missionary journey. The main theme of this letter is Jesus’ second coming. Paul was writing to restore their hope, which had been tested by unexpected deaths in the church; and reassured them of the safety of both the dead and living who believed in Christ(4:13 – 5:11).

But knowing that, the second coming was still not imminent, he switched to admonishing them on what to do while they are on this earth; and urged them to admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with all.

This is an instruction to today’s believers too.  There is so much that can upset and depress believers in this world, but even as we wait patiently for the coming of our Lord, we need to encourage one another. 

Encourage trusting God; encourage not letting their gifts lie idle; and encourage letting the opportunity to still be among the living count.

I want to encourage someone using the words Rev. Samuel Quartey spoke into my life about two decades ago,

"Don't worry. Nothing will happen."

I believe someone has been encouraged.

MEMORY VERSE

“Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

QUESTIONS

• Have you been encouraged?
• Would you like to encourage someone too?

PRAYER TIP

Father, please help us to feel 
Your presence always; so that 
we can be encouraged, and 
encourage one another in You.

URGENT CALL

By nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God. We ultimately face the wrath of God!

But God in His mercy and love gives us a chance to reverse this trend, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.

The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved. 

Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.

It is a very personal decision. No one can make that decision for you.

If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God!

Do you want to make that decision today?

Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer” 
for guidance if you want 
to make that decision.

We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page.

God richly bless you.

SPECIAL GRATITUDE

Thank you for visiting the Testimony Devotional Website. 

We would not have gotten here without your prayers, goodwill and overall support. We are grateful, and humbled.

We thank God for counting us worthy to share in His Great Commission; and we thank you for sticking with us through this journey.

God richly bless you.

The Testimony Devotional website addresses are:

https://testimonydevotional.org/

https://testimonydevotional.com/

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