Keep On Keeping On

Do you have an encourager? You know, that one person who always knows just what to say to keep you going, even when the going gets tough. That person who comes alongside you in good and bad times to cheer you on.
 
My husband’s aunt is this person for me. I would not be here writing this devotional if it wasn’t for her. I’ve always felt insecure about my writing, and especially sharing it with others. Who am I to share what the Lord is saying?!? I’m a sinner just like everyone else; I definitely do not have my life all together as all those other devotional writers seem to! But, she has encouraged me every step of the way to press on in my writing, to listen to what the Lord is saying to me and through me.

The past few months living through COVID-19 and all the restrictions that it brings has really solidified to me the importance of being an encouragement to one another. But, what does that look like? My youngest daughter’s obsession with horses illustrates how we can encourage one another. Horse riders use spurs to direct a horse to move forward or laterally while riding. It is usually used to refine verbal and physical commands.

​We have the Bible to guide us and show us the way, but we need that person who is willing to be the spur in our side to keep us moving forward. The Bible puts it this way, “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
 
No one knows when Christ is going to return. This just reinforces why it is so important to encourage one another! We need to be prepared and it’s hard to do that on our own. When we encourage one another in love, we have the strength to persevere. We can do life together and live in unity and community. Not only is this a testament to Christ’s love to those around us, but it also holds us accountable in our actions so we can all be ready for when Christ returns!
 
The apostles renamed one of Christ’s followers from Joseph to Barnabas. Barnabas literally means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Barnabas traveled with Paul on many occasions. Even the great apostle Paul needed an encourager. I can only imagine why Paul needed his personal cheerleader with him.
 
As I continue to press on in what God has called me to, I encourage you to do the same. If you don’t currently have a Barnabas, or an amazing Aunt, in your life, go out and find one! Or, even better, be a Barnabas encourager to those around you! We all need someone to remind us to keep on keeping on and spur us in the right direction.

Memory Verse: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

About the Author

Hi! I’m Caroline... spelled CaroLINE, pronounced CaroLYN. I know, confusing, right? I currently live on the West Coast of Canada, in Chilliwack, B.C. I’m wife to an amazing, supportive husband, Pete; and momma to two preemie girls, Lily, and Maggie (29 weeks and 36 weeks respectively). As my day job, I am Department Head of a Pharmacy Technician program at a local college. I enjoy writing as a way to share what God has taught me, especially about His grace, through all the ups and downs that motherhood and life may bring.
​Connect with Caroline at whengracebecomesgratitude.wordpress.com

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