An Elizabeth and Mary Weekend

"He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25).

We were an unlikely pair, no one would have picked us to become close friends. She was outspoken and exuded confidence whenever she entered a room. Quieter and insecure, I was both intimidated and fascinated by her. She was my co-worker and I admired her accomplishments. She requested to be transferred out of state, I never gave it any consideration. But one day we were approached by our management and both of us accepted the offer to go. Young and single we had stars in our eyes and dreams in our hearts as we set off together for a new land. God was paving the way for a beautiful friendship.

Those first years of living away from family and friends bonded us. We learned to rely on each other for comfort and encouragement. She was the first among us to give her life to Jesus. In fear and awe I watched the Lord work in her wild spirit as He made her into a gentle mentor for me. My pride was strong. I believed I was right with God even when I was very lost. Yet she never ceased praying for me and witnessing to me, even when life took her far away and out of state. Mentors don't have to live next door to be used by the Father. 

We have not lived in the same state for many years, but we continue to walk through life together. She has always appeared like a bright luminary in my life at the most critical seasons of change. We have shared the joy of becoming brides later in life along with the sorrows over the death of loved ones. She's trustworthy and true when I need to share a confidence. The Lord has blessed me greatly with her words of encouragement. She always points me back to my Savior. There is no truer friend!

With a relocation on the horizon as my husband's job transfers us, she made time out of her busy schedule to fly here and help me pack. Oh, what a gift it was to see my friend! I couldn't help but think that perhaps this is how Mary and Elizabeth felt when Mary went to stay with her cousin. God is so good to bless us with hugs and smiles from those we love just when we need them most! I know He reveals His love through the compassion of others who keep close to Him.

Just as Mary and Elizabeth were able to share their fears and joys in a time of great change, so it was with me and my friend. Sitting in my dining room we packed up my Christmas decorations. Tears flowed but so did the laughter as we rejoiced in what Jesus had done in our lives. Would not Mary and Elizabeth have done likewise? I praise God for using my dear friend to refresh my spirit! Is there someone you could be a blessing to? Don't miss the opportunity to be the Lord's hands and feet in a practical way. With God, the blessing always comes full circle. "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25).

Your fellow herald for Christ,

Mary

God’s Cheerleading Squad

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes other will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).

Have you heard the news? God is looking for cheerleaders on His team. Are you interested? Could you use a little encouragement today? Do you know someone who needs to be uplifted? Would you like to be used by Jesus to build up the heart of a tortured soul who needs a touch of amazing grace? If so, consider this your royal invitation to join God in His court and tryout for a team He wants you on. Here are the qualifications you will need.

1. A repentant heart; one that is captivated by the immeasurable sacrifice of Jesus Christ who though perfect paid for your sins by His death, burial and resurrection

2. A life that continuously seeks to surrender to the Father’s will above its own, and longs to leave a legacy of blessing that will glorify the name of God forever

3. A teachable spirit—God will show you the moves and give you the cheers you are requested to perform that will draw spectators off the bench and into the arena of life

4. A thankful heart; one that rejoices in praising the name of Jesus and seeing others join in the chant

Can you imagine how much our world (and our own attitude) would change if we grasped the concept that we are gifted by the Holy Spirit for such a ministry? This is not a superficial cheering squad I am talking about. Christians know what’s at stake—the salvation of the lost. Although we are on the winning team the game is not over. It is still being played out in the drama of life. Recruitment continues; Jesus wants to increase the size of his cheerleaders, as well as His players.

What do cheerleaders do on Christ’s roster? They encourage others with His Holy Scriptures. They share what struggles and transformations are taking place in their own lives. Cheerleaders are open, honest, enthusiastic and raw with their emotions. They cry when it gets tough but they never give up hope in a positive outcome. Unlike earthly teams that experience defeat, they know on God’s team the greatest victory awaits them in heaven. They help others press on to glory regardless of how vicious the opposing team attacks. Their faith is in the right Person who will deliver all who follow Him.

There is a special reward God grants to His cheerleaders. It is a byproduct of their obedience to pour out themselves before others so His Holy Spirit can shine through their words and actions. Because cheerleaders delight in the smiling faces of the players on God’s team, and the spectators who one day leap from the sidelines to join in the game because of divine intervention, they are encouraged by those they have rooted for. This is the cycle of God’s blessing flowing from His Spirit to ours to another person’s and beyond, forming a beautiful circle connected by His love.

If you have been sitting in the stands observing the game and wondering which team to join, please make the only right choice. Confess your need for a Savior and forgiveness of your sins, accept by faith that Jesus paid for your sins by His death at Calvary, and believe that He is praying for you always as He sits on the right side of the Father in heaven. Don’t you want to be on His winning team where you can experience daily refreshment for your soul? Come join us. Somebody needs to hear the voice of your unique cheer the Spirit will teach you to recite! “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes other will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).


Your fellow sojourner (and cheerleader),

Mary