Word of Encouragement - January 2021
- Vision For Africa
- Jan 24, 2021
- 3 min read
Recently a friend of mine in Zimbabwe forwarded the contents of a dream she had received from another lady in order for me to pray over it and relate any insight into the understanding of this dream. I believe the interpretation of the dream paints a good picture of the difficult times we are living in and how we are meant to cope and survive in these times. The interpretation of the dream was indicating that we are in the last days and what we are experiencing is a reflection of what Jesus said it would look like. Worldwide, the situations we find ourselves in are seriously difficult. We are being pressed in from every side. It seems as though, spiritually speaking, we are being flooded and overwhelmed. Jesus warned that in the days before he comes in the cloud men’s hearts will fail because of fear. For many, fear is a very real and present foe in the times in which we find ourselves. For some, it seems as if the old, religious ways of handling difficulties just aren’t working. Many feel as if they are pressed in on every side and their whole world seems as if it is becoming detached and swept away in the flood. This is the picture that was painted in the dream. The answer portrayed in the dream is that it is time for us to just jump in and swim. Swimming speaks of moving in the Spirit. We need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and our hearts inclined to the leading and direction of the Holy Spirit and not focus on the things around us which only opens our hearts up to fear. When we find the flood pressing in on every side, it’s time to just jump in and swim. Romans 8:13 says, “For if you live according to the dictates of the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you are habitually putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the evil deeds prompted by the body, you shall really and genuinely live forever.” AMP. This response in these times is not easy but rather very bumpy and will be hard work especially for those who are only learning to live and be daily motivated according to the Spirit and who have not habitually practiced it before. Responding to the present situation in the flesh only leads to fear and fear leads to death. But if we are submitted to and responding to every situation in the power of the Holy Spirit we will have life and will walk in peace and rest in spite of the things happening all around us. Verse 18 of the Romans 8 passage says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us!” AMP. I believe we are on the verge of a worldwide explosion of the move of God on the earth and we are about to see the greatest harvest the world has ever seen for the Kingdom of God! And God is looking for men and women who are motivated by the Holy Spirt to be His vessels to bring the power of God with signs and wonders, healing and deliverance to this present situation. Verse 19 says, “For even the whole creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God’s sons to be made known, waits for the revealing, the disclosing of their sonship.” AMP. It’s time for the sons of God to be revealed with power from our Father for these times, for the explosion that is about to take place. So jump into the flood and swim!!
This post really resonated with me, especially the point about how the theory of offering encouragement differs so much from its practical application. It's one thing to know you should say something positive, but quite another to actually find the right words when someone is struggling. You helped me connect some dots I hadn't quite put together before, so kudos for that https://www.lifeline.org.au/ I've actually tried implementing more intentional word encouragement in my own life, and I've seen firsthand how effective it can be. It's not always easy to gauge the impact, but the positive shift it can create is undeniable. Honestly, I've been thinking about this exact topic for weeks, and your insights are incredibly timely. The way you…
Wow, your timeline on word encouragement is incredibly close to my own experiences, it's almost uncanny! The accuracy of this entry is genuinely impressive; you've really hit the nail on the head regarding how impactful certain words can be. What truly stands out is how you've articulated the nuances of offering support. I've just saved this to my phone for easy access because I anticipate referring back to it often https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/racing-gaming-and-liquor/racing-gaming-and-wagering/gaming-and-wagering-commission It’s so easy to fall into unhelpful patterns, but this breakdown offers such valuable insight. I've learned so much from reading this. I've also been reflecting on how I can better offer encouragement to friends and family, and this post has given me concrete ideas. You've definitely earned a…
This is exactly the kind of encouraging message I needed to read today! I couldn't agree more with everything you've said about the power of positive affirmations. The challenges you highlighted in consistently offering encouragement are so incredibly real; it's easy to fall into ruts or forget to reach out when life gets hectic. Reflecting on your point about what we might do differently now, I've started keeping a small notebook where I jot down positive phrases or observations about people I interact with daily https://www.deakin.edu.au/ It’s a simple habit, but it’s helped me be more mindful. Honestly, your approach to making this topic so engaging is fantastic. It’s the kind of insightful content I wish I’d found sooner. You’re…
This was a really insightful read, and I especially appreciated your honesty throughout the entry. It's funny, I was literally thinking about this exact topic of word encouragement this morning, so your post felt incredibly timely. I'd love to see a regional breakdown of word encouragement; that would be fascinating to explore, don't you think https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/finance/household-expenditure-survey/latest-release Looking at it from a different angle, I sometimes wonder if the time investment in offering encouragement is truly worth it, though I usually find it is. What genuinely surprised me most about word encouragement, though, was just how widely applicable it turned out to be across so many different situations. It seems like everyone in my circle, no matter their current circumstances, could…
This post is absolutely brilliant and I'm definitely saving it to revisit. Thank you so much for breaking down word encouragement in such a clear and accessible way; it really cleared up a lot of confusion I've had. It’s fantastic to see someone finally write about this topic with such insight. Honestly, your explanation perfectly mirrors my own experiences with offering and receiving word encouragement https://www.abc.net.au/news/ There were times I felt I was just saying the right things but not truly connecting, and you’ve articulated why. The point about the time factor involved in genuine word encouragement is particularly worth unpacking further, as it’s something I’ve grappled with. It’s not just about the words themselves, but the investment of time…