century that I’ve been on the earth, there are times when my life has gotten tedious. There are times when I find myself being my own worst enemy. Sometimes it’s easier to focus on the negativities in life, all the while forgetting the wonderful blessings from God. I guess the last couple of days were just that for me. But then while Angie and I were in town yesterday afternoon, an old friend came up. I hadn’t seen him in over three decades. He was here from out of state visiting some of his family. When he saw me, he walked over, going completely out of his way. He encouraged Angie and I in more ways than he’ll ever know. When life gets tedious an encouraging word goes a long way. It lifts one’s spirits. It heartens one’s outlook. It deepens one’s steadfastness. I’d like to encourage each of you, rather than focusing on that which is difficult, remember whose you are in Christ Jesus. And as Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, in anticipation of what Christ has done for us, Paul records these words. “Therefore encourage one
another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Sometimes it’s hard to know God’s plan as we await Christ’s return. But there’s a song that the group New Song sang many years ago. Some of the lyrics go like this: When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.