"At the sight of these men Paul
thanked God and was encouraged."
Acts 28:15 NIV
Paul, the apostle in scripture, had experienced a rough journey from Caesarea to Rome. He was a prisoner being transported by ship under Roman custody. Strong winds slowed and rerouted his travel. Paul warned the guards that they should spend the winter in port but was ignored. Hurricane-force winds blew against the ship pushing it further south than they intended to go. Then they shipwrecked on Malta.
More than three months later, Paul arrived in Rome. Christians in Rome heard Paul was coming and they went out to meet him. "At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged."
Isn't it good to know that somebody is glad to see you? I've watched the faces of people exiting the terminal into the waiting area of Little Rock National Airport. When he sees the faces of his wife and children his eyes light up. She smiles. The kids jump up and down. That has to make the traveler feel good.
I've also watched as a man has nobody to greet him. His steps are a little heavier. His face is downcast. From his body language you can tell he is tired (we all are) and can use some encouragement. Maybe he's home but nobody cares. Maybe he's far from home and missing his family. Maybe it's just another stop along the way trying to make a dollar that's all too soon gone.
What if you and I were the encourager today? Isn't there someone at your workplace or school who could use cheering up? Maybe it's a total stranger at Walmart or Target. Think of the impact you can make in someone's life simply by encouraging them with a kind word, a smile, or a good deed!
Somebody needs encouragement today. Maybe it's you. I want you to know that God loves, I love you, and you can find strength and hope in the Lord. Pray that God will help you see ways you can encourage others today.
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