The Power of Encouragement
Rev. John Braaten tells of Douglas Maurer, a teenager from Missouri diagnosed with leukemia. The prognosis was grim. Facing three years of chemo and side effects like hair loss and bloating, Douglas sank into depression.
His aunt ordered him flowers. But the real gift came not from her card, but from a second one: “Douglas, I took this order from your aunt. I had leukemia when I was seven. I’m 22 now. Good luck. My heart goes out to you. — Laura Bradley”
Douglas lit up.
It is amazing. Douglas was in a hospital that had the most up-to-date technological equipment available. He was being treated by doctors and nurses with years of medical training. But it was the sales clerk in a flower shop – a young woman – who by taking the time to care, and by being willing to listen to her own heart, gave Douglas the hope and will to carry on.
Perhaps God has carried you through an experience of brokenness, or failure, or illness in your life. Perhaps someone came along and said just the right thing or gently encouraged you at just the right time. I wonder if you might be able to do the same for others.
Let us pray: Thank you, God, for those who came into our lives when we needed them most. May we carry that gift forward and be a source of hope for others. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Northeast Florida where he led churches in Jacksonville and Julington Creek. Currently, Joe serves at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Palm Coast, Florida. Full Bio
