Strength and Comfort when the cup is low is encouragement
The Fainthearted – The word comes from little spirited. A Daywalker that struggles to function or have strength or a Daywalker lacking courage. There are many similarities between the fainthearted and the weak, so As I dug into find a difference between the fainthearted and the weak. The difference seems to be fear and doubt. The fainthearted is struggling with the spirit of fear. A fear that holds them down and they are found wanting courage and vigor, but unable to obtain it themselves. When we struggle with fear, an outside source of light can have an amazing wonder.
We are called to walk alongside the fainthearted, ready and willing to comfort, strengthen or invigorate them with the Word of God. We can remind them to wear that Helmet of Salvation and renew their mind with the mind of Christ. True confidence and boldness only come from God, His truth strengthens the fainthearted Daywalker. God’s perfect love will cast out all fear, if we give God authority over the fear. Before you can walk alongside someone struggling with being little spirited or struggling with fear, you need to be sure that your feet are anchored tightly in the foundation of Christ and that your cup is full. It is risky to pour into a “little spirit” when your own cup is low.
Over the years God has brought amazing women around me that were bold enough to shine a light on the fear I was tangled up in. God is faithful to plant people in our lives to strengthen us and hold us accountable to the truth, instead of the lying voice of fear. Several years ago, I was fainthearted and God bless my friend that He brought alongside me. She was consistent at taking things back to scripture and encouraging me with what I knew to be true. She would be bold and tell me I was believing a lie and let’s look to see what God says. I am so blessed to have a friend like that. Setting my feet on the foundations of truth built a solid footing for me to stand and fight the fear. I wasn’t fighting alone, God was there and He made sure I knew it, however I had to be willing to see Him. If you have friends like that, count them as a blessing. Proverbs 27: 5-6 is a good one.
If you are walking alongside someone who is fainthearted, don’t give up on them, endure alongside them. Fear may have a strong hold, but God’s stronghold is a stronger fortress. Sometimes we may have to drag a friend into God’s stronghold in order for their eyes to see Him. When they finally open their eyes to the truth and seek Him, then it is amazing to see how God pierces the darkness with his lightening bolts of truth. A lie believed is believed as truth, although it is still a lie. A lie dies, when covered in truth and the truth is believed. Through all the tears, remember that God is still God and His truth will reign. Remember what God has done before Psalm 77.
Do you remember a season when your heart was faint? Do you remember a season when you gave authority to the voice of fear? Do you remember a season when you forgot your identity in Christ? Do you remember when you believed the lies that discouraged you?
If you are in a season now that your cup feels drained and your spirit is low, then stop, look up and give God the authority back. Proclaim God the Almighty. When those lying voices crop up, shut them down with truth. Write God’s word of truth in your house and post them in places that you see them – to remind you to STAND FIRM and FIGHT – victory doesn’t happen by accident. Reach out to a friend for encouragement.
Glory be to God
coming up next …
more on strength when you don’t have the strength to stand – The Weak
Firearms training that begins with a solid foundation 