How can a simple card bring so much encouragement when we need it most?
Sometimes it's the little things in life that make all the difference. Like someone saying “Thank you”, or “Congratulations”, “Sorry to hear that you're not well” or the best one of all, “I love you.”
At The Salvation Army church I attend we have little blue postcards called Encouragement cards. Anyone can take one and write a message to someone else who attends, perhaps to say “We missed you at church today”, “Get well soon” or “Sorry to hear of your difficulties, we are praying for you.” Who wouldn't be pleased to receive a message like that through the post? To realise that we are cared for and that our Christian friends are praying for us!
I often wonder if the postman takes a quick look at the messages and if so, what are his or her thoughts on that church? Hopefully they think that the cards are a good idea and that the members care for one another. And for our part, it is a silent witness to our faith and our belief in the power of prayer.
We have a Prayer Book in the foyer of our Centre in which anyone can write prayer requests. It is well used and although we don't often know the identity of the person making the request or the person they are asking prayer for, that doesn't matter, for our Heavenly Father does. For our part we just need to bring those prayers to God.
What faith the people writing the request have in us as Christians that we will remember them in prayer. And how interesting that although some of the people may not be church-goers or professing Christians, when the chips are down they reach out to our Heavenly Father. What a great privilege and responsibility is ours.
But back to the cards. There is no charge for either the cards or the postage, so in that sense they cost us nothing other than a few minutes of our time to write the message. But with God's backing, what a wonderful work that they can do to remind the recipient of His love and care for us in all circumstances. I know from personal experience how uplifting it can be to receive such a card, often just at the time that you need that reassurance.
Of course we can also telephone, text, Facebook, Tweet or visit the person, instead of or as well as sending the card, but there is nothing to beat the joy of receiving the card in the post along with the bills and other junk mail we receive. And unlike a text, you can use the card as a bookmark or put it on your fridge as a regular reminder of God's love for you, expressed through His people.
If there is someone that you should be contacting, then do it today. And if you need encouraging, look no further than the assurance that “Nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God .” (Romans Chapter 8 v 39)
Encouragement cards? More like a love note from God!
