#BETHEGIFT Someone Needs TodaySample

Jesus in Us

The poor server was about to have her slow, easy group of ten expand into a group of forty hangry, tired adults. I was impressed with how she handled the switch from an easygoing pace to full-on chaos. She handled everything with ease. I didn’t pay too much attention after that, until she reached across the table right next to me and I saw the outline of a fresh tattoo mixed with older tattoos. Intrigued, I asked about it. She explained the tattoos were a reminder of her worth and to never stay in an abusive relationship. She went to explain the new tattoo was a reminder of future possibilities for her and her girls. 

Being a young single mom with two little girls, she knew they were watching her choices, even if they weren’t old enough to comprehend them. She understood she had worth and value.

As we were leaving, we felt impressed to tell her that even though times were tough, she was a good mom and a determined warrior. I encouraged her to stick with it and to look ahead, remembering the past was behind her and to not let it hold her back from all the possibilities that lay ahead. She was fighting back tears as we walked away, but we knew we had shared the love of Jesus with her. As we spoke words of prophetic encouragement, we deposited courage in her heart.

Prophetic encouragement is about extending the heart of God to a hurting, lost and broken world. It is about encouraging those around us. It is about bringing comfort, strength and encouragement to people on a daily basis. To people inside the church and outside the church.

Once I understood how much Jesus longs for authentic relationship with me, with us, I couldn’t contain it. I want to share it with everyone. We are not discounted because of who we are, where we live or what we might have done in the past. God loves us and longs for us to live for Him. We get opportunities to be a dispenser of His love and encouragement every day to those we meet.

When we live our life for Jesus Christ, He lives in us! It’s Christ in you/me/us that is the hope of glory. He fills us with anticipation for living for Him. He is the light in us that others are drawn to. We need to ask God to show us His perspective. We need to ask Him to give us His heart for others. We need to ask Him what He would want to say to show His love and extend His encouragement to others.

Let’s allow Christ in us to be the hope of glory for all to see.