The “Two-Fer” - Encouragement Café - July 17

The “Two-Fer”
 By Maria Drayton

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Psalm 37:3

At times it is a struggle when things aren’t going good in my life.  The struggle?  To get myself off my own mind.  It is during these times that I pray more, seek God’s face more, and praise Him more all with myself on my mind.  This morning was that morning.  I awoke with thoughts from the day before still lingering; pressing my way through I prayed, “Lord, you are good and your mercy endures forever.  Help me this day to have the joy of the Lord in my heart and not to worry.”

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.  Matthew 6:34 NIV

But even with this prayer, my thoughts still wanted to go back to yesterday and what transpired the day before.  I got on the prayer line and joined in a corporate prayer.  That helped but still my thoughts taunted me, “You have this going on, that happening, and it’s not working out for you.”  Thoughts can be so overwhelming at times.  I made up my mind I would praise Him in the midst.  So I turned on my favorite gospel station and song after song encouraged my soul.

I had to make a decision to trust the Lord with everything, yesterday and today.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

Just then something happened.  A text message came through at 7am.  I normally don’t get text messages that early so I was a bit surprised when I saw that it was from a good friend that I hadn’t spoken to in months.  By good friend, I really mean a “God-friend”.  He had established himself in our friendship earlier in the year in a unique and surprising way.  We met at a retreat and hit it off the first time we sat and talked.  We knew that it was beyond our comprehension.  Two ladies from two totally different walks of life with nothing in common but Christ.  We talked for hours, shared stories, shared hurts, shared victories and all with the Lord in the midst.  It was truly amazing.  

I responded to the text and we got on the phone together.  Just then I realized there was more to my day than me.  He wanted to use me to help someone else, my friend.  As she talked and shared I almost cried not only because I was being used to encourage someone else but as I encouraged her, I was encouraged!!!!  We talked, then shared, and ended in prayer.  I was able to give her a scripture that I myself had been holding onto for months that has helped keep my heart and mind during this season in my life.  

For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.  Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3 NIV

Today I thank God for using me to encourage someone else but also to be encouraged by Him all at the same time.  He did what I like to call a “two-fer”.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that it’s not all about me.  Your presence is what I need more than anything.  To be used for your good pleasure is all I want in my life.  Thank you for allowing me to partner with you and encourage someone else today. Thank you for watching over your Word and bringing it alive in my life.  I will trust You with my concerns as I continue to do Your will for others.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

For more encouragement, visit Maria at mariadrayton.com

Check out Maria’s new release through Encouragement Café Press, “To Know Him: A 31-Day Devotional Journey”, available on Amazon.

© 2020 by Maria Drayton.  All rights reserved.

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