Proverbs 11:25 "The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered"
Early one spring a friend and I hiked Look Out Mountain in Chattanooga Tennessee. It was an aggressive two hour climb to a cafe at Sunset Rock that offered a view of seven different States. Unfortunately on this day the cafe was closed and it had been uncharacteristically hot for that time of the year. Not bringing water on a four hour hike was a gamble we should not have taken. So we began walking through the neighborhood hoping to find a convenient store. It must have really been hot because every garden hose looked inviting. Just as we were laughing about the idea of getting caught drinking from the side of a strangers house we heard a voice behind us that made us jump, "you boys don't have to drink from the hose." We whipped around and there was a kind older lady standing ten feet away in the yard behind us. She got a great laugh by startling us and offered us a glass of water. As awkward as it was, we gratefully accepted her hospitality. After a short exchange of congenial conversation and several glasses of water, we left completely refreshed.
I often think of her generosity when I read Proverbs 11:25 "...he who waters will himself be watered." A simple effort of encouragement goes a long way toward a weary soul. In a world that at times can be too critical and self-centered, how refreshing is it for someone to give an uplifting word. Difficulties in life have a way of keeping us from seeing the good around us. We tend to give to much weight to our current stress and dismiss the good. Simple acknowledgments help shift the scales from discouragement to encouragement.
An experienced christian understands the importance of encouraging people in their faith. When someone's fear outweighs their faith, encouragement can correct the scales. Sometimes we need to help someone see past their struggle and see the presence of God. Don't dismiss or belittle their problem, acknowledge the weight of what God is doing. When we are an encourager, we refresh the world around us. We bring faith into uncertainty, hope into despair and love into doubt. Be an encourager, refresh others in your world daily!
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