Achievement

Even those of us who love the Lord with all our heart, strength, mind, and soul live in a world that demands a certain level of achievement. And often, being human, we don't achieve what others expect of us, or even worse, what we expect of ourselves. There is a human condition that makes us believe that no matter how many times we have succeeded in the past, we have to do it again--better. And if we have achieved a certain level of "expertise," there is even more external and internal pressure to not fail in some way--in any way. And to not fail "in some way" is impossible, In fact, sometimes what you view as a good thing, a positive part of your nature and a vital part of your ministry, others may construe or misinterpret into something negative and even evil. And there's really nothing you can do to change that perspective.
So, what to do in such a world? Something must be done or life becomes a joyless struggle. When you compete against yourself there is no chance of success. Life becomes a tie. You feel as if you are getting nowhere, accomplishing nothing of value, making no difference. What a bummer!
And then God steps in. How does He step in? He sends someone or "someones" into your life as your encouragers, as your energizers. They remind you that you are doing good without letting you gloat about it. They point out the things, things that you in your self-pity refuse to see, that God is doing in your ministry (despite you). They remind you that God asks only for faithfulness. He is not afraid of our failures; they will not interrupt His plans or keep Him from using you. In fact, they may be the very thing He uses most effectively. And He is not a petty God who holds grudges but One who forgives willingly. Nothing makes Him more joyful than forgiveness and lovingkindness. Yes, God sends you a Jonathan or a Timothy or a Debra to keep you encouraged, to keep you striving on to please Him the best you can in the power of His Spirit, assured of His love, satisfied with who you are in Him and with what He has made you to be--a perfect fit for the ministries He has called you to do.
And we've all been sent too. Sent to be someone else's energizer, someone else's encourager. God has sent you into the world to be those things for others of His children. Do you know who they are? Do you know how much they need your encouragement and love? Well, how much do you and I need our encouragers? It's time to stop looking at ourselves and start looking for those others whom God wants us to encourage in their walk with Him. He's not here to do it Himself; that's why He sent you and me. We dare not fail. Life for the faithful is tough enough the way it is.

And don't forget to tell your Jonathan or Timothy or Debra "thank you. Couldn't do it without you." They just may need a little encouragement too, eh?