February 29, 2012
Just the Right Words
"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11 (NIV 1984)
Has someone ever spoken words that helped you see something valuable or unique about yourself that you had never seen before?
That's what happened between Jill and Leanne. They met when Jill was coaching a Jr. High basketball team and Leanne's 13-year-old daughter, Shelby, was on her team. Years later, when she was in high school, Shelby got seriously injured and Jill reached out to her with encouragement, prayers and notes that spoke just the words that Shelby needed to hear.
One day, Leanne sent a letter thanking Jill for the difference she was making in her daughter's life. She described the qualities of a great coach she saw in Jill and called her a "bright light" that shined in many lives, including theirs.
Leanne didn't know that months later Jill would go home one night to an empty apartment plagued with doubt, questioning her purpose in life. Battling clinical depression and living under the weight of feeling worthless, Jill had contemplated suicide. That night as she pondered her fate, she opened her journal to write in it and a piece of paper fell out. Opening the note, she read Leanne's words again.
God used Leann's words to show Jill she did have a purpose and that life was worth living. They were just the right words at just the right time.
When someone speaks encouragement into our hearts, the course of our lives can be changed forever. And when we believe in someone else, God uses us to build confidence and security in a heart that may have otherwise been paralyzed by doubt and insecurity.
I'll never forget my friend Janet thanking me for words I'd penned from my heart to hers in a thank you card. To me it was only a thank you, but to her it was more. God touched her heart deeply through something I said. And in response, she encouraged me to write more than notes. Her prayers and confidence inspired this insecure young mom to eventually write a Bible study.
And God used that tiny Bible study, written over 10 years ago, to uncover His plans and develop the future "writer" in me. He used a woman who believed in me more than I believed in myself to help me take the first step.
Just the right words at just the right time.
Perhaps you need to hear them. If so, listen and let God speak them over you today through His promises:
"But you are a chosen [woman], a royal priesthood, a holy [daughter], God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)
"For [you] are God's masterpiece. He has created [you] anew in Christ Jesus, so [you] can do the good things he planned for [you] long ago." Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
"In all these things [you] are more than [a] conqueror through him who loved [you]." Romans 8:37 (NIV)
Just the right words at just the right time.
When we read and believe God promises, they settle into places in our hearts that need to know we are loved…by Him and others. I pray you receive and believe them today, and then ask Jesus how you might share them. Perhaps there is someone in your life who needs them now more than ever.
Dear Lord, I need Your encouragement each day. Lead me to promises in Your Word that will strengthen me when I'm weary and build me up when I feel torn down. Help me see and believe what You see in me, and then share it with others. I pray You would give me just the right words at just the right time. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Visit Renee's website/blog where she shares practical ways you can position your thoughts to hear and live in God's promises every day. Also, she's giving away a "Living in God's Promises" gift pack. Enter to win here!
Letting God Fill the Empty Places in Your Heart message on CD by Renee Swope
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Reflect and Respond:
How often do you listen to and live in your self-doubts? How often do you fill your mind with God's words of encouragement? Do you realize the power of your words to speak hope and encouragement into the lives of others, as well as into your own life?
Make a list of five people who could use your words of encouragement this week and then send them a note, text or phone message.
Isaiah 50:4, "The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught." (NIV 1984)
© 2012 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105