God's word in today's world

Taking another by the hand


Life was not easy in Paul’s time. He was in prison. Their Messiah was no longer with them and everybody who believed in Jesus was in danger of death. Not a good time to be living.

Still the Christians supported and encouraged one another. That’s why Paul sent Tychicus to them: 8I’ve sent him to you so that you would know how things are with us, and so he could encourage you in your faith.

To encourage others most certainly was one of Tychicus’ gifts. He could see the dream and push on through difficult circumstances. He could encourage others, take them by the hand and help them through hard times. In a way he could alleviate their struggles and make people hope again. Like the driver of an ox wagon that drives his oxen slowly, obediently and meekly up the hills of life.

It’s not much different today. Life is hard. It doesn’t look good around us. Sometimes everything looks hopeless. Those who have the power are making a mess – it is so depressing.

Like Chrissie (not her real name):

I’m a single mother. My daughter passed matric successfully. Now I stand before the mountain – how will we ever get over this mountain that lies before us? How will we pay her study fees? My car needs new tires, my daughter needs driving lessons and she has to get her driver’s license … and the list goes on and on.

Or Riaan (not his real name):

I’m in a desperate position. My family is torn apart by things my father did in the past and none of our families are doing well.

My finances are desperate and I still have to pay study fees I don’t have. I feel so discouraged, even though I know that God is in control and that I have to hold on to his promises. One thing I did realise is that I’m arrogant. I believed that I and only I could solve my problems, even though I know that I have to give them to God. 

And like many of us Christiaan (not his real name) says:

It is month-end and I have no money to pay my assistant’s salary, because my clients did not or do not want to pay me.

Let’s be honest with one another and admit that it’s not always easy out there. At one time or another we will have to face a sudden challenge and then we don’t know how to handle it. We sit in sackcloth and ashes, not know what to.

I realise more and more that we have to support one another. Sometimes I can help someone get through the mud, and other times others have to help me through the mud. Sometimes we have hands full of hope and we have to share it with those around us. Other times they will pass on a little hope when I end up lower than low.

Let Tychicus be an example of all of us. Let’s do what he did by encouraging those around us. Let’s pull and push one another. Let’s lift one another’s heads. Let’s look up and believe there is a God, a God that is always there for us.

Scripture

Colossians 4:2-6

Reflection

Who do you have to help with hope?

How will you do it?

When?

Prayer

Father, your words were written down so that we could have an example of how we should live. Please help us learn from Tychicus’ life and strive to be like that. Amen.

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