God Gives Good Gifts
There are seasons in our lives when we are more discouraged than encouraged. It’s inevitable that all of us will experience these moments, often showing up during times of grief, uncertainty, or exhaustion.
Even in these moments, Romans 15:5 reminds us that there are three things that God offers to those who believe in Jesus.
The first thing God offers is endurance. When we begin to grow tired of doing good things, or living our life for God, it is often because we are living with the wrong motivation. True motivation comes from living for God, not ourselves. It is God who gives us the endurance through the Spirit to make good choices and live for Him.
The second thing God offers is encouragement. In seasons of discouragement when we feel let down by people, God gives us lasting encouragement. He reminds us that we are loved. He reminds us that we are being transformed. We don’t need to strive for approval or acceptance because we’re already sons and daughters of God.
The third thing God offers is unity of mind toward each other. This means that we consider others how Jesus would consider them. Instead of only seeing their flaws or mistakes, we see them as people loved and cared for by God.
All three of these things are worthy of spending time in prayer asking God for: endurance, encouragement, and unity with each other. If you’re feeling discouraged and down, ask God for the endurance and encouragement that only He can give and for unity of mind that reflects Jesus and His love.
Be the Example
Have you ever felt too young—or too old—to do something important? Too small for a big job? Too inexperienced to contribute something meaningful? Too underqualified to make a real difference?
In the book of 1 Timothy, which is a God-inspired letter from Paul to his “son in the faith,” Timothy, Paul equips and encourages Timothy in things like doctrine, leadership, and living out the ways of God. He writes:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
1 Timothy 4:12 NIV
If you’ve ever felt too young, remember that God has purposefully put you here, at this specific time in history. He desires to use your passion, drive, vision, energy, and ideas to magnify His glory. You see things from a unique vantage point, and that is a great thing.
If you’ve ever felt too old, remember that God has purposefully put you here, at this specific ...