The power of encouragement :)

I received a note from one of the teens this past week. It was a great encouragement in more ways than one. Here's a sampling:

Pastor Mike,
I wanted to write and thank you for doing the lesson on Betrayal on wednesday night. It's amazing how God knows what your struggling in and shows u ways to deal with it etc. through other people, messages, etc. Over the youth seminars a past inquire with a certain person made me think about all this stuff again and it became very fresh and clear again in my mind. It really helped when we talked bout it on wed at yg. Also, im reading a devotional book mrs m gave me for christmas and wed night my devo's in that book were all about everything i was struggling with, going through etc. i just think its so amazing how God knows exactly what we are going through and helps us deal with it, (teaches us) through learning in devo's, messages etc. part of the reason i am writing this is cause i wanted to tell you thank you for being my youth pastor and for talking bout that on wed. Even though sometimes it seem like nobodys listening in youth group, I am (was) and continue to grow in my walk with Christ and many of your messages help me in my walk. so Thank you

Man! I can take a whole bunch of junk now! Those words of "hey you made a difference" are to a youth mentor like spinach is Popeye! Power up! :) It is great to hear of a teen really trying to grow spiritually and to develop her ability to handle life God's way! It's great to hear how God is intersecting her life with exactly what she needs for today.

How has God been directing you lately through a variety of circumstances? Who have you been intentionally mentoring with what seems like no effect? Who do you need to write a thank-you note like this one to for their impact on your life? Build someone up today with the power of encouragement!

Thank you for reading,
Mike

1TH 5:12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.