Christian Encouragement from All over the World – Tim Challies

When this daily email from pastor and author Tim Challies came into my box yesterday, I knew it could serve as my next post, since it follows nicely on the heels of the previous one – a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s goodness.

In Challies’ post are Christian responses to the question he raised last Saturday when he said he needed encouragement as a pastor in the midst of the present crisis, and so asked people to answer this question: “What are some of the surprising ways you have witnessed or experienced God’s goodness in this difficult time?”

The response was overwhelming – in his own words, “Hundreds of answers came pouring in from all over the world. There were far too many to share them all, so I picked at least some and am now sharing them here so you, too, can be encouraged. Here are how Christians around the world are seeing God be true to his promises in this difficult time.”

In this post, I include a few of them, urging you to visit the link below and read through these testimonies to God’s goodness in this dark hour of history. It will encourage your heart, as it did his.

And may I remind you that our pastors, who are so busy encouraging us at this time, also need our encouragement. Why not send yours a note in the next day or so, perhaps giving your witness to God’s goodness during these lockdown days. I heard that one of our pastors is doing this very thing with his congregation. A great idea.

Here, then, are some of those responses from Christians all over the world:

The slowdown of social life during this pandemic has not been easy. Even with video chat and other ways of keeping in touch, there’s much to miss about face to face interactions. My children have missed their friends and extended family. Not long ago my 4-year old-son walked in the room smiling. The following conversation ensued: Me: Are you happy? Son: (Smiling even more) YES! Me: Why are you so happy? Son: Because God is taking good care of me! May we remember God’s loving care even when we are in the valleys. (Lincoln, Kenya)

We live in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world. It is said that 30 percent of our children face lung related problems. But we praise God for the time of renewal that he has sent upon the environment. Air Quality Index has moved from ‘hazardous’ to good’. We feel closer to nature than before: the sound of birds chirping, trees and plants looking greener and fresher without all the dust and pollution. We will praise God till it lasts, and we will praise Him beyond that. Indeed, he works all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose. (Navin, India)

I’ve experienced God’s goodness by enjoying the little things with my family. We’re all Christians but our own activities at school or work have made it harder for us to spend time with each other and just talk, cook a meal together or clean the house together. I thank God for this quarantine because it’s brought us closer together, I’ve had long and meaningful talks with my parents that I don’t we’d have had otherwise and it makes me very happy to see how we’re growing together and learning more and more about our loving God. We’ll continue praying for our brothers all around the world that might be discouraged in this difficult time. God bless you. (Daniel, Mexico)

I gave birth to our second child on Monday, April 13. Leading up to the birth My husband and I were nervous about being in the hospital given the current pandemic. I also began exhibiting signs of preeclampsia. I don’t think a day went by that someone from our church family or friend or family member didn’t call or text to tell us they were praying for us. We had an army interceding for us. God has shown His faithfulness to us over and over again through His people. (Brooke, USA)

God has shown his goodness by reminding me that he is the omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient shepherd who cares and looks after his people. It’s been fantastic to have more opportunities to get in touch with church members, pray, meditate on God’s word on a daily basis and depend on him as we feel so fragile. This lockdown has been a fantastic opportunity to train church members to read their Bibles and learn to run a family service at home. As a parent of three children, we have had more time to read God’s word on a daily basis. Our two boys have loved listening to Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings during the lockdown. (Maxime, France)

Ok, now go read some more and let your heart and soul be lifted up to praise the God and Father who loves us and cares for us in perfect wisdom!

Source: Here Is Christian Encouragement From All Over the World – Tim Challies