| “But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.” – 2 Corinthians 7:6 |
|---|
| THE NEED FOR AND THE POWER OF ENCOURAGEMENT! To get the fullest impact of this verse we need context. We need to understand WHO was discouraged, (other words could be used like downcast, deflated, feeling defeated) and needed encouragement. That person is none other than the Apostle Paul. Yes, the great apostle Paul was discouraged and was greatly in need of encouragement. Pay attention to his description of himself in 2 Corinthians 7:5, as he writes, “For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.” Did you read what the Apostle Paul said about his life? He has NO rest! Physically, he was exhausted. Troubled or afflicted! Emotionally, he was exhausted. Struggling with conflicts! Mentally, he was exhausted. Battling personal fear! Spiritually, he was exhausted. (I just described many of you as you seek to lead or work in Christian organizations and do ministry, didn’t I?) The work of the ministry is work, hard work! The work of the ministry has opposition. It is difficult and at times downright DISCOURAGING. Now with that background notice 2 Corinthians 7:6. Faced with discouragement and being down in the dumps, the apostle Paul starts this verse with GOD saying. “But GOD.” With those two words, the Apostle Paul is acknowledging that God was watching over him and God was working for him. It was God who sent TITUS to a discouraged Paul and Titus comes to ENCOURAGE. He comes to speak in to Paul the courage to keep on going, to never quit. Titus brought a good word in a difficult time that kept the Apostle Paul going. Do you need a TITUS? (I will answer for you.) Yes, you do! I pray you do have one. If you don’t have one then you should pray that God will send you one. We are all in need of a Titus touch! Do you need TO BE a TITUS? (I will answer for you.) YES, you do! I pray you will be one and you will be the answer to someone’s prayer. Make July 6 (7/6) a special day of encouragement! Be a TITUS to someone. Give them the Titus Touch! Verse to DATE the Word on July 6 (7/6) is 2 Corinthians 7:6. It says, “But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.” Who has been a TITUS to you? Maybe today your Titus needs to hear a word of appreciation from you. Your encourager might need encouragement. Continue Strong receiving encouragement and giving encouragement, And remember to DATE the Word |