God’s hand of perfect provision was at work early in Pastor Rob Fischer’s marriage. His wife Linda was pregnant and had been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition for both her and the baby. Having just gotten out of the Army and made a big move, they were broke – absolutely penniless. So, when the doctor prescribed some medication for Linda’s condition, they prayed that the Lord would provide. As they said, “Amen,” Rob told Linda that he sensed the Holy Spirit prompting him to just trust Him and drive to the pharmacy because He would provide. She questioned how he would pay for it, and Rob told her he didn’t know but felt he should go anyway. When he pulled into a parking spot and opened the car door, he stepped out into a pile of change – like a piggy bank was dumped at his feet! His heart beat faster as he picked up all the change and wondered if it would be enough to cover the prescription cost. It sure did – with a bit of change left over. Rob and Linda still praise God for his leading and provision.
That’s a God story that prompts us to trust God for everything. He can put a coin in a fish’s mouth or money in a parking lot (Matthew 17:27). It’s a remarkable story, but not every God story is that outlandish. Sometimes it’s the small, quiet things the Lord does in our lives that encourage someone else.
As believers, we need to spur, motivate, and stimulate each other toward Christlike living. Sharing encouraging stories of God’s goodness and faithfulness is an important part of that. Modeling Christlike behavior, speaking the truth from God’s Word, and praying with and for each other are other important parts. We also challenge each other to pursue Christ and lean into Him to change us.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
Asking open-ended spiritual questions with humility helps others focus, reflect, and reach a little deeper into their faith. These “courageous prompts” can be as simple as “How can I pray for you?” “What is God showing you in His Word?” and “What is one thing you’d like to see Christ change in your life?” They can also be more challenging and dig deeper, like “Where do you see God at work in your life?” “In what ways are you loving your spouse well… and not well?” or “Where do you want God to grow you?” Being vulnerable enough to answer those questions ourselves is part of that “Iron sharpens iron” aspect, too.
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 3:12-14
Personal Application: God knows we need to lean on each other. Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deed.” Make a list of five people in your life you can encourage and motivate toward Christlikeness. What is one new habit you can implement today to gently spur them on? How can they spur you on?
- Taken in part from Getting in the Game: Joining Jesus on Mission by Dr. Jim Grassi, Rev. Wendell Morton, with Pastor Rob Fischer
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5