Bring It!
By Anonymous
“If you have any word or encouragement for the people, come and give it.” - Acts 13:15
Early in my freshman year as a college baseball player, I was hitting in the cage while my coach was watching intently. I was both excited and intimidated at the same time. I wanted to show him what I had to offer but I could feel his eyes watching my every move. It was a bit nerve wracking.
After a few swings coach yells out, “Take one to right.” So I wait on the pitch and whack, I hit a line drive to right. He coos, “Marvelous…do it again.” I wait and scald one through the four hole. He responds, “Wonderful…do it again.” The next pitch I drill another line drive to right. He chuckles and whispers, “Nice!”
Some people define encouragement simply as “bringing courage.” This is really not hard to do. A simple spoken word, maybe a pat on the back or even the making of a fist directed to somebody can do this. Our verse above challenges us to bring encouragement. In my opinion, I think if the author (Luke) wrote this verse today, he might have said, “Bring it.”
It’s been decades since Coach first spoke these three simple words to me but I can still hear them echo around my brain from time to time. And when they come I get a sweet sense of peace. Encouragement elevates, brings confidence, and is a source of strength…and it ripples! I not only hung on those words that day, I still hang onto them today.
How about you? Do you want to “bring it” to your team? Let your actions encourage them!
- When’s the last time you were encouraged by somebody?
- When’s the last time you encouraged somebody?
- Would you consider becoming the official team encourager and “bring it” every day?
Ephesians 4:29
Father, I want to become somebody who really “brings it” for others. Provide me the strength and stamina to become a great encourager! Amen.