October 4, 2024

An Encouraging Word

A while back I ran into a woman who I hadn’t seen in quite some time. Being my friendly self I said, “Hi!”

The moment I said that she replied, “Oh, Bayless!” and proceeded to open her purse and pull out a letter I had written to encourage her three years earlier. She said, “I take this with me everywhere I go.”

I wanted to cry! I mean, I was touched. But then I thought, “Is there no one else who comforts you? Is there no one else who speaks encouraging words into your life?” And I wonder the same about you.

Are you needing some encouragement today? I don’t know what you may be faced with, but I personally find comfort and encouragement in the following passage. It is 1 Thessalonians 5:9–11,

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Think about this for a moment. As you look into eternity, which is what ultimately matters, you and I are not appointed to wrath! That is good news! That is great news! That is encouraging news! And that is great comfort!

God is storing up wrath against the ungodly. But, just like in ancient Egypt when the death angel passed over every home where the blood of the Lamb was, I thank God the wrath of God passes over us!

It is being stored up, but not for me or for you. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have escaped the wrath of God.

Thank you, Jesus!

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