You doing okay? :)

This was the simple text a friend sent me several weeks ago.  I had been sitting reading my Bible and was struggling deeply with an issue concerning one of my children.  My heart was aching and the tears were flowing freely down my face.  When the text came my first reaction was, “How did she know? Could she hear me crying from across town?”  Silly, I know and totally illogical, but the perfect timing of her simple question was supernatural.  I burst into uncontrollable sobs.  This time because of the amazing ability of my Father God to comfort me using one of his other children.

This little message spoke volumes of love, concern and encouragement to my heart.  Does that seem strange?  It shouldn’t.  I knew the sender well and I knew the care behind these words.   She was and is a sister in Christ; therefore we share something very strong.  In 1 Corinthians 12:4, 5 it says, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord.”

The same Spirit resides in each of us who belong to Christ, so this shouldn’t be surprising at all.  This is the Holy Spirit given to us as a gift from Jesus Christ as our helper to be with us forever.  The world cannot receive him because it does not know him, only those redeemed by Jesus have the Holy Spirit. “You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:17.

The Holy Spirit is God (part of the trinity) and dwells in us.  Mind blowing?  Absolutely.  Allow the Spirit to nudge you toward good works and loving others, “especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10.  We do these works for the glory of God and they result in thanksgiving toward God in us. 

If you are a believer, when someone crosses your mind, know that there is a reason for it.  Pray for that person then reach out to them if you feel led to. It could be a simple text, email, written note or phone call.  Maybe you need to go further and invite them out for coffee or lunch.  Any of these seemingly small acts could mean so much to them.  Be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit; it is truly obedience to God.

I have a friend who often takes pictures of the beautiful scenery around her.  Whenever I see something I know she would capture, I pray for her.  On my drive into Dubuque for work I turn off the radio and pray for those God places on my heart that day.  It may be for a known prayer request or a general prayer for God’s will to be done in their life.  If someone stays on my mind, I connect with them in some way through messages or meeting for a simple talk and prayer.

This is what family does for one another.  We pray, we encourage, and we spur one another on toward Christ always.  How can you do this for someone today? 

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. – Hebrews 3:13

 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. – 1 Thess. 5:11