Angel by Your Side

Ever have those moments, hours, seasons where you feel all alone? Where you could really use a shoulder to lean on, or better yet, a devoted friend that supports you no matter what.

I call them angels. Not the celestial created ones that we can't see - though I believe they truly exist and are at all times helping us here on earth. That's a whole different subject that I'm not going to get into right now. I'm talking about those amazing people in your life that appear for a reason, a season, or, if you're extra blessed, for a lifetime that you share love and support with.

We all need support and encouragement, and when we get it we need to recognize what a gift it is from our Father in Heaven. Paul recognized this gift of encouragement once his long journey got him to Rome. He was met by a group of believers that traveled from towns 43 and 33 miles away.

"The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged." Acts 28:15

Let's get a few words worked out from this passage. "Brothers" is a term used in this day to refer to those united in Christ or Christians or believers. "Forum of Appius" is a small town 43 miles from Rome, noted for its wickedness. "Three Taverns" is a town 33 miles from Rome and tavern means any kind of shop. So if your mind wandered into a dimly lit proprietary of strong drink, well, no, not this time... just, by the sounds of it, a very small town (with, perhaps, 3 shops).

So at the sight of them, Paul was encouraged and thanked God for them. That's how it works, isn't it? We are road worn or emotionally drained or beat up physically or emotionally, we see our "angels" and we a blessed by the sight of them.

I am blessed by some angels in my life that get me through the tough times. The times when I feel like God forgot about me, when I lost my hope, my faith.

Listen to this awesome song by Francesca Battistelli, Angel By Your Side:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV9Uqwjl46A (paste it into your browser, I don't know why it won't just place a link here)

We learned in an awesome women's conference this past weekend that God filters painful times into our lives, through His loving hands, so we can be blessings to others that experience similar trials. In His sovereignty, He places those precious ones in our lives to help us and then also places the hurting in our paths later to help them because "we've been there."

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

These "brothers" traveled many miles (by foot) to support and connect with Paul as a leader in the early church of Christ. If the Lord puts a brother or sister in your path that needs some encouragement, be obedient and do your part. Listen to them. Pray with them or for them. Encourage them.

If you don't have the blessing of an encouraging supporter in your life, look at getting into a Bible Study Group in your church. Or look into Bible Study Fellowship. It's an international group with Bible study classes for all ages all over the world. https://www.bsfinternational.org/ Prayer, encouragement and support are out there but it takes courage and a leap of faith to take the step to find them.

I thank God for the merciful blessings of encouragers in my life. These precious angels lift me up when I am weak and bring me back into the love light of Jesus. Let's be like Paul, and at the sight of them, thank God and be encouraged.

 "And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b