Steve and I had stopped for brunch at a restaurant near an interstate exit. When he slipped the waitress his usual extra-generous tip, she gasped and her eyes began to fill with tears.
“I don’t know what to say,” she cried. “Thank you! You don’t know what this means to me.”
She was right; we didn’t. Emily[1] never said a word about the challenges she faced. We’d seen her radiant smiles, enjoyed her friendly attitude, and appreciated her thoughtfulness to keep our coffee cups filled.
We’d heard respect and cheerfulness in her voice–all coming from a heart submitted to Jesus. We knew that much.
The three of us chatted a bit and we affirmed to Emily the fine character traits we’d witnessed, and the truths that God loved her and had her best interest at heart. It was our prayer God would use our gift as a demonstration of his attentive care.
On the way out, the hostess stopped us. “Emily just told me what you did for her,” she said quietly. “That girl is going through a very rough time right now; she will never forget your gift!”
No doubt you too can remember when a word of affirmation or gift of appreciation greatly ministered to your spirit. Perhaps it occurred when you were struggling, wondering what God was up to, and feeling starved for encouragement.
Like Emily, when the affirmation came, your spirit filled with wordless wonder.
Also a wonder? That those who give are even more blessed than those who receive [2]. Have you noticed that such moments of benevolence seem divinely energized by the Spirit of God?
It’s downright thrilling to be used by him in uplifting others with affirmation and encouragement—two words not as synonymous as I once thought.
Affirmation indicates approval of what is already known or perceived—like the character traits we’d seen in Emily.
Encouragement inspires a person to persevere into the future—like the truths about God we shared with her. We benefit from both.
Scripture includes numerous passages that remind us what is true about God and what he thinks about us, passages that encourage and affirm our own spirits, equipping us to share the same with others.
Here are several verses and assurances to get us started. I pray you find affirmation and encouragement in the following:
- I have been remarkably and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
I am not an assembly-line product.
I was deliberately planned, specifically gifted,
and lovingly positioned on earth by the Master Craftsman.
–based on a quote from Max Lucado’s The Christmas Candle
- “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working”—Jesus (John 5:17).
- “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand”—Jesus (John 13:7).
I cannot read his future plans, but this I know:
I have the smiling of his face, and all the refuge of his grace,
while here below.
–Unknown (quoted by Herbert Lockyer in Seasons of the Lord, 100)
- I am one of God’s special possessions, commissioned to declare his excellencies (1 Peter 2:9).
I pray your spirit is affirmed and encouraged.
And now, who can you refresh today?
(Our experience with Emily hasn’t been a one-time event. Should you wish to read similar, special-moment stories, click on one of these posts:
- https://nancyaruegg.com/2017/10/19/tollbooth-encounter/
- https://nancyaruegg.com/2020/03/12/agents-for-god/
- https://nancyaruegg.com/2015/04/23/a-chocolate-celebration/)
[1] Name changed.
[2] Acts 20:35
Art & photo credits: http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.pexels.com; http://www.rawpixel.com (2); http://www.pxhere.com.
From the Inside Out 