Maggie had been feeling down lately. She was a single mom who worked full time and also took care of her elderly mother. She felt like she was running on fumes and couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But one day, she received a gift from her friend Sarah that changed everything.
Sarah had always been an encourager, but this gift was different. It was a beautiful framed print with the words of 1 Thessalonians 2:13-14. The print read, "And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus."
When Maggie opened the gift, she was moved to tears. She couldn’t believe the thought and care that Sarah had put into choosing such a meaningful gift. The words on the print spoke to Maggie’s heart, reminding her that God’s word was at work in her, even when she couldn’t see it.
Over the next few weeks, Maggie would often find herself staring at the print, reading the words over and over again. They gave her the strength to keep going, even when things seemed impossible. She began to see her life in a new light, recognizing the ways that God was working in and through her.
One day, Maggie was sitting in her office when a coworker stopped by. They began talking about their families and the challenges of parenting. Maggie shared some of her own struggles and doubts, feeling vulnerable but also relieved to have someone to talk to.
As they talked, Maggie noticed the print on her desk and pointed it out to her coworker. She explained how much the words had meant to her and how they had given her hope during a difficult time. Her coworker listened intently and then thanked her for sharing.
A few days later, Maggie received a card from her coworker. Inside was a note that read, "Thank you for sharing your story and reminding me that God is at work in all of us. Your encouragement has meant more than you know."
Maggie smiled as she read the note, grateful for the opportunity to encourage someone else. She realized that the gift that Sarah had given her was not just for her own benefit, but for the benefit of others as well.
As the days and weeks went on, Maggie continued to find ways to encourage those around her. She knew that the gift of encouragement was not just a one-time thing, but something that needed to be practiced daily.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, Paul writes, "For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory." This verse reminds us that encouragement is not just a nice thing to do, but an essential part of our faith. When we encourage others, we are living out the call to love and serve one another, just as Christ did for us.
Maggie had received the gift of encouragement from her friend Sarah, but she had also learned how to give that gift to others. As she looked at the print on her desk, she was reminded of the power of God’s word and the importance of being an encourager. And she knew that, no matter what challenges lay ahead, she could face them with hope and confidence, knowing that God was at work in her and through her.