Above, Below, Or Alongside

Encouragement from unexpected directions.

(Reposting good thoughts can be a helpful reminder to share with someone in need.)

Above, Below, or Alongside

Encouragement is greatly needed. You may need it now. You may be in the middle of a project you can’t complete or have a problem you have no solution for. You may have started the task enthusiastically, only to make excuses now for not carrying it through. It would help if you had encouragement.

Encouragement can come from three directions. It can come from above, below, or alongside of you. Now, don’t quit reading just because you think you can already see what I am getting at when I say “above, below, or alongside.” You might need to be corrected.

From Above You

Encouragement can come from above you. You may have volunteered for or were asked to do some “church” related project. Time is an issue. You have no time to complete it. A roadblock hampers completion. Your dedication is the same as when you started, but unforeseen circumstances are delaying completion. Those who have given you the task or assignment can ask about the project, notice its progress, and see that it is not progressing on time. Some discouragement might be found in your voice as you discuss the project. You may express concern to them about the progress. Upon recognizing this as a sign of discouragement, encouragement can come from above. Those in charge can and should offer help in the form of ideas, reconfirmed project directions, and suggestions for solutions to problems that are holding up the project. Besides these, simple words to encourage you can be given. Statements like the following might be given.

•“What you have done so far is great.”

• “Sometimes, unanticipated problems that come up will make the rewards more rewarding when it is all over.”

• “Unforeseen roadblocks can be a gift from God to produce patience.”

• “Keep on doing your best.”

• “Are there any other angles you can approach the problem from.”

•“Do you need more help?”

This encouragement “from above” may be all that is needed to give the project new life and energy. It may open up your mind to a remedy for a problem hindering progress. Sometimes, just a little encouragement from above gives new life to a project and a sure hope for completion.

Alongside you

The needed encouragement may come from alongside you. You may have a helper who is on this project with you. This helper may not have any authority to direct the project, but this helper will have encouraging words or some helpful insights into the problem you had not seen. The helper may not have had the burden of responsibility for completing the project or the stress and pressure you have had. Their minds may be free to think. Their hearts may desire to succeed, and therefore, they may be the source of the most encouragement.

From down under

Encouragement from down under. What is this? There may be individuals who have thought all along that you were not the right person for the job. They may have been waiting for the time you would struggle and fail. Their negative statements, like:

•“I knew you wouldn’t be able to do the job.” or

• “They should have put me on your task.” or

•”I would have had the job done by now.”

These negative words of encouragement may kindle fire and spark the imagination to new heights. The goal to finish the project can resurface, and the vision works double-time so that new methods and creative ideas come to the surface, giving hope to a successful conclusion of the project.

Yes, the need for encouragement can be ever-present, but don’t let a negative source undermine its effectiveness. Instead, rise above those few who may be against you by turning their negative statements into strong encouragements.

Written for Faithwriters. 11/11/07

By Larry Whittington