“When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus” (2 Corinthians 7:5-6 NLT).

THE POWER OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Paul told the Corinthians that the encouragement that Titus brought from his visit with them filled him with great joy. In the midst of both external and internal conflict in Macedonia, news of the Corinthians’ repentance and love for him, was just the medicine he needed.

Paul attributed this encouraging news to the Lord, who is the God of encouragement. God doesn’t always relieve the conflict, but at just the right time, when our discouragement seems too great to bear, He sends encouragement.

Have you ever “faced conflict from every direction?” Voices on the outside, tearing your down? Voices on the inside that you can’t escape, keeping you from sleep, so that you get no rest? Anyone in ministry for any length of time has experienced “battles on the outside and fear on the inside.” Yet, the Lord is faithful. He sends encouragement to those who are discouraged. God sends a Titus at just the right time, so that we don’t give up.

Do you need a visit from one of God’s encouragers? Or is God calling you to be a “Titus,” to go and encourage a discouraged brother or sister today? There is great power in godly encouragement.