August 1st, 2005
Encouragement
I (Melanie) recently wrote and mailed out a family newsletter in which I wrote of God’s faithfulness to me over the years, even when I was struggling to believe in Him. In catching up with our correspondence while mailing these out, I (re)read a letter from a family we know who works in France doing pastoral ministry (the newsletter was written for fellow Christians who support their ministry and pray for them). I wanted to share here an excerpt from what they wrote because it was so in tune with what God has been doing in my life and for us these past few months especially. Hope it encourages you as much as it did me!
- We can’t tell you how encouraging it is to visit you! You know what strikes us? Each one of us is struggling to trust God. Whether it’s cancer, rebellious children, loneliness, strained marriages, disappointments, or pain, we’re all asking the same question: Do I depend on God or on myself? And we have sensed the majority of you are grasping for God’s hand in your particular circumstances. He is delighted and our faith is boosted!
- We would like to encourage you to go visit a friend - not to watch baseball nor swim in the pool. Go to find out what’s on his mind and how you can pray for him. Be intentional! We talk about everythign else but the essential. It’s a real race we’re all running and we need a fan or two.
- We thank you for cheering us on. You have been intentional for many a year. — Woody & Sue Lewis, July 2003
