Let’s Go! FCA DevotionalSmakprov

Bring it!

Clay Elliott

Ready:

“If you have any word or encouragement for the people, come and give it.”  Acts 13:15

Set:

Early in my freshman year as a college baseball player I was hitting in the cage while my coach was watching intently.  I was both excited and intimidated at the same time.  I wanted to show him what I had to offer but I could feel his eyes watching my every move.  It was a bit nerve wracking.

After a few swings coach yells out, “Take one to right.”  So I wait on the pitch and whack, I hit a line drive to right.  He coos, “Marvelous…do it again.”  I wait and scald one through the four hole.  He responds, “Wonderful…do it again.”  The next pitch I drill another line drive to right. He chuckles and whispers, “Nice!” 

Some people define encouragement simply as “bringing courage.”  This is really not hard to do.  A simple spoken word, maybe a pat on the back or even the making of a fist directed to somebody can do this.  Our verse above challenges us to bring encouragement.  In my opinion, I think if the author (Luke) wrote this verse today, he might have said, “Bring it.”  

It’s been decades since Coach first spoke these three simple words to me but I can still hear them echo around my brain from time to time.  And when they come I get a sweet sense of peace.  Encouragement elevates, brings confidence, and is a source of strength…and it ripples!  I not only hung on those words that day, I still hang onto them today.  

How about you?  Want to “bring it” to your team and let your action encourage them…now and later?

Go:

1. When’s the last time you were encouraged by somebody? 

2. When’s the last time you encouraged somebody?

3. Would you consider becoming the official team encourager and “bring it” every day?

Workout:

 Ephesians 4:29

Overtime:

Father, I want to become somebody who really “brings it” for others.  Provide me the strength and stamina to become a great encourager! Amen.