The art of self-encouragement
As leaders, we often prioritize the pain of others above our own pain. Pain ignored becomes the pain that destroys.
That’s ministry, shepherding.
Nice to have and utilize outside sources; mentors, books, podcast etc.
As leaders, we go from high to low from low to high, mountain top to valley, success to failure, encouragement to discouragement.
We are constantly navigating through life’s issues that have an array of emotions.
SO, we MUST learn the “Art of Self Encouragement.”
This involves your memory.
Listen!
Jesus said in 1 Corinthians 11:24 concerning communion, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Remembrance – to remember again and have a recollection.
2 kings 20 we see one of the most remarkable prayers in all of scripture.
Hezekiah said Oh Lord REMEMBER!
Memory can trigger pain or release faith.
As a leader, the art of self-encouragement begins with the memory.
Remember David at Ziklag? 1 Samuel 30
1 Samuel 30:6 But David encouraged HIMSELF in the Lord.
Regained strength supernaturally.
HOW????
I believe David tapped into the art of self-encouragement by “Remembering.”
Let’s learn from David.
There are three main areas I “Remember” to encourage myself in the Lord.
1. Calling
I think David was thinking about giving up then he remembered “that day.”
What day? The most special day in his life.
The day God called him.
Remember when God called you.
We have the greatest, highest responsibility and greatest opportunity in the universe.
We’ve been called by God to shepherd his sheep and share HIS message.
If God calls you to preach the gospel don’t step down lower to be the president.
Remember
a. When – where you were and how you felt.
b. How – the supernatural experience.
c. Why – bring glory to HIS name, love people.
2. Victories
I believe David remembered God helped him kill a bear, lion and a giant.
If God brought you out of that, HE will bring you out of this.
Remember the miracles and victories of
A. Your life
B. Others
C. Church
3. Words
David remembered God said….
What has God spoken over your life?
What has God spoken over your church?
What has God spoken over your city?
1 timothy 1:18 - This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.
The greatest weapon you have against the enemy is the spoken word of God.
Disciples and Mary Magdalene.
