Encourage One Another
During these difficult days I find myself avoiding the news because it seems to magnify the anxiety that I have about the suffering and uncertainty facing the world. I even find myself intentionally avoiding watching or reading fictional and non-fictional stories where someone is suffering hardships unrelated to this pandemic. I understand that this is like sticking my head in the sand which can bring its own troubles – oh dear, something else to worry about.
One bit of viewing that I do enjoy is a weekly YouTube broadcast called Some Good News hosted by the actor John Krasinski. This short broadcast, which I highly recommend that you check out, delivers positive messages of hope and encouragement through humor.
I also enjoy reading the 3:16 daily devotions because I can often relate to the expressed emotions in these devotions but also because they include biblical reminders of how God will see us through these difficult days.
I am most grateful however for how our Genesis family has found ways to stay connected and share encouragement via the 3:16 Devotions, YouTube worship services, Zoom small group meetings and Facebook posts. I draw positive energy from these connections to help me trust that God can and will use this time to make the world a better place.
The Apostle Paul understood the importance of encouraging fellow believers in our faith which was the main point of his many letters to the early fellowship of believers. The author of Hebrews knew this as well, as we are reminded in Chapter 12, verse one: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…”
Thank you brothers and sisters for your witness and encouraging works; we are all be better because of it.
Danny O’Byrne