The final piece for peace

So we've talked most of the week about what it takes to endure, and find strength for each day. We discussed briefly about Jesus and what He told us in Matthew about worrying, and letting tomorrow worry about itself. Well, there's one piece of the puzzle that is very important and can make all the difference in the world. A Barnabas! Everyone needs a Barnabas, I'm talking about an encourager, someone who can push you when needed and support you through thick and thin. I'm not talking about a cheerleader who cheers through the bad times and doesn't take into account how real and hard life can be. I'm talking about someone who is there with an encouraging word and most importantly someone who is supportive.
Barnabas bring so many characteristics to the table that we need in an encourager. He was one of the first in Acts chapter 4 to sell his possessions and give the proceeds to the church. He was the first to travel with Paul and his missionary team, he was an encourager to everyone he came in contact with, and he was called an apostle even though he rarely spoke publicly or gave a sermon.
Acts 11:23-24 captures a lot of this, "WHen he arrived and saw the evidence of grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy SPirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord."
There you have it, what seems to be the secret of being a true encourager, that person who truly lifts people up? Evidences of grace!
Think about that, how can we pick ourselves up when we are down, discouraged and feel like we are at the end of our rope? By realizing God's grace in our lives, by seeing evidences of grace in our lives and in others. I know every day I can look in the mirror and see someone who is a sinner, someone who makes mistakes, and someone who struggles in the battle of God's will over my pride. In doing so I see a lot of grace, a God who would love a sinner, who would allow His Son to go through the torment that He did, for a sinner such as I is mind boggling.
So don't worry about tomorrow, use up your strength day by day as God provides it and make sure that you surround yourself with people who will encourage you in your walk with Christ. Find your Barnabas, it will make all the difference.
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!