Revolution of the Encourager

God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.  Right?  Well, not really.  The scripture is actually referring to temptation and having a way out of that temptation. Look again.

  1 Cor. 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

When attempting to encourage others, stop using this phrase.  It’s incorrect, and not even close to what scripture says.  Stick to verses that talk about us having peace, us having a sound mind, us having a counselor in the holy spirit.  Better yet, buy the person a drink or a meal and listen.  Stop trying to encourage others with crappy lies.  

Everything happens for a reason.  Another encouragement that offers no real insight into what God does.  Let’s put this phrase in context shall we.  I just suffered the loss of a loved one.  Well, you lost that loved one for a reason.  Take this to its fullest end.  God caused the death of your loved one so that something else better might happen, or you might learn a lesson.  There’s no such thing as freedom of choice or consequences for actions but God walking around looking for ways to cause suffering so you might learn lessons.  Don’t twist my words. I absolutely believe God uses circumstances, even painful ones to teach lessons, but to go as far as saying He causes suffering so that we might learn lessons…well I’m not sure. Maybe.  But is that really encouraging to the person suffering?  Hey, God might have done this, be encouraged. I think there’s much better ways to encourage others in their suffering.

Start with a hug, and some actual loving encouragement from the heart.  Maybe this means say nothing.  Maybe it means using scripture.  Maybe a cooked meal.  Stop using terrible phrases.

Study the scripture below, and commit them to heart over the crappy phrases you’ve learned:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16.33

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Psalms 46:1

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”  Psalm 18:32-36

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10

“The Lord gives his people strength.  The Lord blesses them with peace.” Psalm 29:11

“May the God of hope fill you all with joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”  Romans 15:13