Inspirational Message September 9, 2007

THOSE WHO ENCOURAGE OTHERS WILL BE ENCOURAGED

The year was 1791 and a dying minister named John Wesley picked up his pen and began to write:

London, February 26, 1791
Dear Sir:
Unless the divine power has raised you up… I see not how you can go through your glorious enterprise, in opposing the execrable villainy, which is the scandal of religion, of England, and of human nature. Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But “if God be for you, who can be against you?” Are all of them stronger that God? O “be not weary in well dong!” Go on, in the name of God and in the power of His might, till even American slavery (the vilest that ever saw the sun) shall vanish away before it…
That He who has guided you from your youth up, may continue to strengthen you in this and all things, is the prayer of,
Your affectionate servant,
J. Wesley

Four days later, Wesley was dead at age 88, yet his influence in the life of William Wilberforce lived on. For decades after this, he fought for the abolishment of slavery and when he felt like quitting he looked to Wesley’s letter for encouragement. Finally, in 1807, the slave trade was abolished.

We can all be encouragers, the words you speak or write to someone who is hurting, the visit you make to a grieving friend, the phone call to a person without friends or family in a new area. In your business relationships become known as a positive encourager, a nurturer who enhances the lives of others. It costs us nothing to impart faith and in fact adds value to our life. When we encourage others we find that we to are encouraged (courage within).

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”
William Ward