In the Middle of it All!

Today’s message was written by my friend, Roger Kunkel, founder of Dial Hope.

There’s a story of two cowboys out on the range caring for a large herd of buffalo. One of the cowboys says to the other, “These buffalo are the dirtiest, smelliest, ugliest creatures on the face of the earth.” Hearing this conversation, one nearby buffalo turns to another and says, “I thought out here we weren’t supposed to hear a discouraging word!”

Encouragement is the specialty of the people of God… that is what we do best. And, we take our cue from Paul who said, “Therefore let us encourage one another and build up each other…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). In other words, each of us is of incredible worth to God. Every life is precious. 

A father and his daughter were on a cruise ship together after the untimely death of their wife and mother. As they stood on the deck of the ship one day, the little girl looked at her father and asked, “Daddy, does God love us as much as Mommy did?” The father thought for a moment and then said, “Honey, God’s love reaches farther than you can see in that direction.” He pointed to the far horizon. Then, pointing in the opposite direction, he added, “And God’s love reaches farther than you can see in this other direction.” He pointed up toward the sky. “God’s love is higher than the sky.” Finally, he pointed down over the rail of the ship. “God’s love is deeper than the ocean.” “Oh, and just think Daddy,” the daughter replied, “We’re here in the middle of it all!”

So it is. We are surrounded, loved, and treasured by God. Our lives are precious to God in every way. Friend of Dial Hope, spread encouragement, spread the Good News, the TA-DA! of the Gospel, and make today a masterpiece.

Loving God, we are awakened from our slumber to the promise of a new day; a day of breathing and walking, a day of laughter and joy. For this is the day that you have made! Help us today to spread encouragement, to put on the clothes of compassion, the garments of grace and hope and gentleness. We come to you because you have come to us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.