3:341 – Links: Chains of Encouragement

#faithbites #faithjourney links

Setting

When most of us think about chains, we think about being imprisoned and the despair it brings. Chains are also a sign of strength built from the many links within. Today, we had our school’s Assistant Principal teach our first grade girl scouts about respecting authority and my faith / my promise. She was excellent. As a gift, the girls made links out of construction paper that had inspirational messages on it and then connected them into a long chain. Then when she needs encouragement or inspiration, she tears off one of the messages. Each link provided inspiration and strength. Sound familiar?

God pus many people in our lives to help us. They are the links in our chain. It’s ok to use them and call them up when we need inspiration, encouragement and support. Some days you may use one link, another day may be fifty. But they are here to help us. And God is the ultimate link in our chain. Don’t forget to use him and he will help.

Scripture

2 Corinthians 9:11 – You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Reflection

God create due not to suffer but to prosper. He knows all of our needs and gives us what we need to do to thrive. Sometimes, what we see as chains of oppression are actually links to peace and happiness. We have to change your perspective and really look deep at what is going on. The crux is, we need him, his strength, his encourseent, and his wisdom. The friends and people he puts in our lives, the links in our chains, share his voice and his word to encourage and build us up.

We just need to see how being generous with inspiration is part of our calling. Let’s build each other up and use each other to grow. Just like the paper chain our girls made, this is a spiritual reminder that we all need love, encouragement, and inspiration. Jesus provides that. God’s word provides that. We just need to be open to it.

We are ebleased that our assistant principal came to talk to the girls. Our hope is their words provide inspiration and encouragement to her.

Challenge

Find a visible way to encourage and inspire others. Maybe it’s a paper chain with quotations and bible verses. Maybe it’s just checking in with someone. Find ways that make it easy for others to find the inspiration they need.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for signs of faith and encouragement. Help us to encourage and affirm those around us. Let us be the strongest links in their chain that we can. We know you forge us into links and chains to build each other up. Help us to be strong and courageous so that we can help others out.

Lord, also help us to ask for help when we need it. Let our friends and family be strong links in our chain. We love you and pray this in your name, Amen.