Unexpected Encouragement

I always amazed of how God is able to speak into my life unexpectedly...especially of encouragement in due season.

Lately I have been reminded (by reading most of the time) of how I am supposed to respond especially when I face difficulties in life. I need to strengthen myself out of my true identity in Christ. Not of what I own, but Who owns me instead.

Strangely, today...as I embarked on a daily journey...I encountered unexpected encouragement.

As I was about to top up my train ticket, a stranger who was ahead of me turned around and asked me how to buy her one way ticket from an automated machine. Facing a beautiful lady who is far older than me (my guess is that she probably as old or maybe even older than my mother), I tried to explain as clear and concise as possible. She finally managed to get her ticket. She left once she got her ticket. I continued to do what I need to do, purchased my own ticket. Though we were not heading the same direction, we all ended on the same train. Then, when we met again in the train, she started to talk to me. I politely asked her where she came from. Same country as I did. As our short conversation continued, she could guess perfectly (the first time for all!) of my work specialization and even my faith. (so all I could do is only nodding in disbelief...this is really strange...is my face that easy to be guessed? :)) To my surprise, she encouraged me to continue on the path I took, with a reminder of who I am in God. She said that there is a light in us, as believers, which eventually would make us stand out from others. Therefore, we need to be confident in facing anything, especially when we take chance and face challenges. A positive attitude. Have faith in God. Pray to HIM. And she kept on repeating this simple short message: "Be confident. Shine differently among others, for in you there is God's light." Since we have to depart in the midst of her journey, I continued to show her the next direction to help her continue her own journey. Before she departed, she repeated her message to me: "Be confident! Don't forget to be confident!" Smiling, she went on her way and along the way I could only nodding, and not even remember to say thanks or ask for name of this wonderful stranger.

Now, as I sit down and ponder...I can't help to wonder...could she be an angel? Or just a simple stranger who God send across my path to encourage me? All I can say is that, on the moment I needed the most, and expected the least, God reminded me of HIS assurance, and reminded me of what I need to do: be confident, for His light is in me. "His light which make us eventually a winner"....quoting encouragement from the stranger I met today.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you very much for the unexpected encouragement I got today. Bless the messenger You sent on my way. Help me to be confident in you, for Your light is in me. Let Your light shine through me so that everyone who sees may glorify my Father in Heaven. In Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen.

This is how we overcome

"For those of us who know God, pain is a process with a certain purpose. We don't make it through tough times. We are made through tough times -- made into the beauty of Christ Jesus." - Joe Stowell (Anchors in the Storm).

1 Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Take away my unwilling heart, create a bond servant heart within me. A rebellious mind and act You despise, but life of full surrender You desire. May it be the last for me, so that I can start anew with You. Oh Lord, please forgive my sin of disbelief and fear and filth. I long to walk with You, each step with Your Spirit as my ultimate Guide. Withholding nothing, regretting nothing. Giving it all, for the One who is my all in all. Let You be my vision, now and always.

In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen.