ENCOURAGE. sophronizo (VERB) –
- restore one to his senses
- to moderate, control, curb, disciple
- to hold one to his duty
- to admonish, to exhort earnestly
Friends, are you struggling with acceptance? Could it be that you as a follower of Christ, you are seeking acceptance from the world? From those who are not in the family of God?
“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”
1 John 4:5
Do not be surprised when there’s discourse at your workplace, when your children who love Jesus and His Word get left out, when they are ridiculed, not popular and made fun of. Do not be surprised when you’re not chosen for an award or certificate, and don’t be surprised when you get looked over for a promotion. Hold fast and stand knowing God has not forgotten you. He has already worked out every detail before your moment of discouragement arose. He is sovereign! He is good, and He will never leave or forsake you!
Do you not expect or think that you would not be hated, when your Lord and Savior, who bled and died was hated by the world. You will be hated as well. Is this new news to you?
“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love it’s own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this, the world hates you.”
John 15:18
For the child of God – this world is not our home, and His Word completely contradicts everything the world says you deserve and will get in this life!
Stay with us. There’s more to this abundant life in Christ!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
