When I came into the office this morning, I had a letter waiting on me that had been written by one of my “truck driving” friends!  We have a man in our church that has to run some long hauls and He will occasionally on one of those hauls drop me a few lines about what God is up to in His life.  His three page letter was such a blessing to me.  The very moment that I saw the envelope, I was excited, because I knew that whatever was inside – it was going to be good!  I opened the letter and began to read as he shared some very distressing news about some things that he was having to go though, but then “the night turned into day” and He began to share about how God was taking this bad and using it for good!

When I laid the letter down, I could not help but think that each one of us, everyday get to decide!  We get to decide if we will be an encourager or a discourager!  This past week, I have had encounters with both.  This past week I have been guilty of doing both.  But I am going to do my best in the days ahead to make the choie to encourage, rather than to discourage!

I could not help but to think about Philippians 4:6-8  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praise-worthy – meditate on these things!”

Who can you encourage today!  Start with yourself and work your way out!

     We are living in a world that is constantly changing!  And if we are honest with ourselves and one another, we have to admit that while we like and embrace some of the changes, there are many that we do not care for!

-We do not care for rising gas prices and a falling 401k!

-We do not like increased government and diminishing service!

-We do not want higher prices and less for our money!

     In fact, much of the change that comes our way in a lifetime is change that we spend a good deal of our time and energy fighting against, only to discover that our fight is wasted because change is coming and some change cannot be stopped!

     During the past year we have heard a lot about change and we have experienced much change as a country and as individuals.  And while most Americans want change, very few want it for themselves and for their families!

     Many of you know first hand and in a very personal way – that change fought against and resisted has not been a friend! 

-The change that you experienced may have come in the form of some physical sickness, disease or the death of one that you loved and care for!

-The change that came knocking at your door may have been a lay-off, down-sizing or unexpected firing!

-The change that you have done battle with may have been within your family, where the unexpected and unplanned happened and you are still having a hard time accepting it!

     Whatever the shape and content of the change that has come your way, you know that while it may have hurt, it did not kill you!  There may have been moments when you thought that it was going to take you out, but you are still ALIVE!

     You are still alive right now in this moment and this is a part of the thing that gives you your strength and your purpose.  Because while you and I cannot stop change from coming, we can learn from it and be made stronger by it!