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Timing is everything
In his book Encouragement: The Key to Caring, Larry Crabb tells the story of how nerve wracking it was the first time he nervously volunteered to pray out loud during a church service. Larry, who struggled with stuttering as a youngster, recalled, “I found my theology becoming confused to the point of heresy. I remember thanking the Father for hanging on the cross and praising Christ for triumphantly bringing the Spirit from the grave. Stuttering throughout, I finally thought of the word Amen, said it, and sat down. I recall staring at the floor, too embarrassed to look around, and solemnly vowing never again to pray or speak aloud in front of a group.”
After the service ended, an older man in his church sought Larry out. With a hand on his shoulder, he said, “Larry, there’s one thing I want you to know. Whatever you do for the Lord, I’m behind you one thousand percent.” He said nothing else, and walked away.
Now there was a man who understood the power of a timely word (Proverbs 15:23). Here was a young teenager whose heart was deeply troubled. Who knows…maybe the older gentlemen had been there himself and personally knew of the shame contaminating this young man’s soul. Whatever it was that compelled him to speak, his words were an example of the Proverb that says, “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body” (Proverbs 16:24).
When it comes to words of encouragement, timing is everything. It’s why the Proverbs also emphasized that even cheerful words spoken at the wrong time can be “like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound” (Proverbs 25:20).
More good than we know can come out of the right words spoken at the right time. They have the power to mend and restore a broken heart.
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I wish there were words that could mend and restore a broken heart. When you have lost everything there is nothing and no one who can make it ok. Your marraige, your home, your financial stability, your safety, your friends, you own children. Take it all away, but if you have your children you can fight through and survive. You can find a way. Without them I am lost… and I have no hope.
This message took my breath away; i believe very strongly because our God, The Alfa & Omega, Jehovah i am, is the one in control of our life journey. God Bless
Although we don’t want to burden our children, they are a gift from the Lord and the best reason to keep going is for them. God can use even the unsaved to reach us.My ex-husband once saved the life of my brother who is now at Bible school! If it weren’t for my ex my brother wouldn’t be alive! Hang on for our loving Lord knows everything about us and everything is in His time,not ours!
I’ve seen your situation, I wish I could be the one to help you. Please when the help comes go with it in the right direction.
In response to Cynthia-sometimes there are no words that people can say but there is always hope the hope that comes from our God I can do all things through him who strenghtens (or enables,and quips) me. Do not let the enemy whos whole goal is to seek to devour and destroy, succeed in convincing you that there is no hope may God lift up your head and care for you and give you peace.Replace satans lies with God’s promises in your mind. Read the book of Job.