You've Got Mail!

I love to receive mail! There is something special about opening your mailbox and realizing that there is something inside, intended for you. When I first left home to travel with Encounter Revival Ministries, my mom sent me something in the mail everyday for a month! Today I am surrounded by college students who get so excited when a mail appears in their box. What an encouragement a small note is to me on a rough day.

As I continue serving the Lord, I am beginning to realize that the “mailbox” of a leader often has more outgoing messages than incoming. This fact, by no means, will compel me to quit, but it does make me realize I need a little encouragement from the One who placed me here. I am so glad that I can seek support from my Heavenly Father. I have been comforted by Psalm 138: 2, 3, 7, 8 (NLT).

“I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are back by all the honor of your name. As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me… The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever…”

Contentment and peace overwhelm me each time I read that passage. My Heavenly Father, who has decided to use me, has an encouragement card with my name on it. He is waiting to send it my way at the exact moment I need it. I know that I can fully depend on Him and what He says. Luci Swindoll put it best when she said, “I determined to do whatever it took to keep my spirits up. I took God at His word – that He would be with me and take care of me; that He’d go before me and straighten out the crooked places; that He’d be my comforter, friend, and great physician.” I encourage you to take a small note card and write out some of the encouragement the Lord has sent your way through His Word. Here are a few of my favorites:

Isaiah 43:1-2,4  (I am precious to Him)

“…the One who formed you says, Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mind. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. 

John 14:27  (He gives me peace)

“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I have is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Galatians 6:9 (Don’t give up)

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Romans 15:5 (Patience and encouragement come directly from Him)

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony  with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.”

2 Corinthians 1:6 (When we are dry – the Lord can fill us)

“Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.”

What an awesome privilege we believers have, to know that God is always cheering us on and sending encouragement our way. Patsy Clairmont, a well known ladies’ speaker said, “How do we find God? Sometimes we search Him out, and sometimes He ‘finds’ us. Every time we think of God it is because He first had us on His mind. So know that once you have invited Him to enter your life, you are on His mind and He is in your heart.” You’re on His mind today! And He has a word of encouragement each day specifically for you. You have mail in your box!