The Power of Words

Seven years ago I was passing through a large city in the southern states on my way home from a meeting. I was invited to stay over a Sunday and to preach at a church that was currently without a senior pastor. I don’t remember what I spoke on (and I am sure neither does the congregation). Afterward, the staff took me out to lunch. Sitting near me was a woman who told me something about the difficult life she had experienced in recent years. Then, somewhat sheepishly, she described the passion she had to write a book. Having never met her before and having heard something of the challenges she had faced in life, I knew she faced a daunting task. But as she spoke I sensed this was more than merely wishful or delusional thinking. She had some good ideas. But, without publishing contacts and name recognition, it would obviously have to be God that authored this effort. I encouraged her that if she were attempting this simply for a hobby or to make money or fame, then she would have to do it in her own strength. But, if God was the One inspiring her thoughts; then she might find herself on the front end of an incredible adventure. I told her NEVER to give up on something God puts into your heart and wished her my best. I’ve never seen her again.

This week I received a surprise. It was a note from my aspiring author acquaintance. She wanted to know if I would like to see her manuscript before it was published. In fact, the book she was sending me was the first in a series of three her enthused publisher had contracted with her to write. And there was more. She has struck a deal to make a children’s movie of the book. A well known Christian music artist had agreed to do the soundtrack. In her note she thanked me for encouraging her that day over lunch and said it was a key moment God used to show her what she could do. It is always so rewarding when you encourage someone and then they go out and have faith, work hard, persevere, and ultimately accomplish far more than they ever dreamed! It makes you wish you had encouraged more people! I have a number of individuals like her in my life that I have had the privilege to cheer on over the last number of years. Several have already achieved great success. Others will accomplish amazing things eventually, of that I am certain. And some I haven’t heard from for a while but I keep checking my e-mail! Living your life as an encouragement to others is an awesome way to live. More and more I am convinced that the greatest contribution of my life may be the people I helped in some small way to achieve what God intended for them. Paul urged us to make every word we spoke build someone up and make them better. Over a lifetime, you really can make a huge impact.

Travel

As I write this I am on my way home from Interlaken, Switzerland where I spoke nine times to church leaders from the International Baptist Convention. They are a great group of people who are seeking to plant English speaking churches in all the major cities where international business people live and work. It is a great vision and one worthy of our encouragement and support.

I’d appreciate your prayers for June. My son Mike will be accompanying me to speak in Singapore and Malaysia in several different meetings. I’ll also be speaking at a Promise Keeper’s conference in Fresno, California and attending an important BMI board meeting in Atlanta.

Prayers

I certainly appreciate your prayers as my family will be moving in three weeks to Greenville, South Carolina. We still need to sell our house and my wife Lisa still needs to receive her immigration visa. My son Mike will be settling in to Wake Forest, North Carolina to attend seminary and we are praying he’ll find a church, friends and a place to serve the Lord. Daniel will transfer to North Greenville University in Greenville. He is an English major and planning to go on to seminary and ministry. If you know of a young adult who could use some inspiration and encouragement, have them go to: www.josiahroad.com It is a web site for young people where Mike and Daniel both write weekly blogs that are both fun to read and inspirational. Young people can also communicate with them and receive encouragement. Please pray also for my daughter Carrie as she will begin college this Fall at North Greenville University. She continues to believe that God has wired her and called her to be a professional shopper when she grows up! Finally, Lisa and I would appreciate your prayers as we take care of all the details of moving and finding a new church. We are excited about what God has for us next!

Of Note

In case you have not heard, my brother Mel was called as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Jonesboro Georgia and will now be my parents’ pastor. Pray for Mel!

Also, put February 27-28, 2009 on your calendar. BMI is hosting a Fresh Encounter weekend where we will be looking at how God wants to revive us and our churches. The meeting will be held at FBC Jonesboro, Georgia and the speakers will include three generations of Blackaby speakers and two generations of Grahams (Ann Graham Lotz and Will Graham). The FBC Jonesboro choir will be singing. There will also be a special pastors/wives luncheon and great breakout sessions. I’d encourage you to bring a group from your church and have a fresh encounter with God together with us!

Posted by Richard Blackaby at 9:24 am