So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NLT)
I was once again reminded this week how much I adore and appreciate a feisty woman of faith named Wilma Cheek. Not only is she Mama to a couple of my favorite people, but also she is the woman who led my family on a journey of faith that changed us from complacent Christians to fired-up followers of Jesus.
Following the urging of the Holy Spirit, Wilma gave my sister, Martie, a copy of her favorite devotional, “From Faith to Faith: A Daily Guide to Victory” and encouraged Martie to read it and share it with the rest of the fam.
Instead of reading the yearly devotional one day at a time, Martie read it all in one sitting. She’d read an entry, meditate on it, study the reference scriptures and then call me, and we’d discuss it.
When I finally got my hands on a copy of it, I did the same. I just couldn’t believe what I was reading! I’d grown up in the church; I’d been a Christian since I was a little girl; but I had no idea how many promises of God belonged to me as a believer!
For the first time in my life, I wanted more of God. I fell back in love with His Word, and I got excited about serving the Lord. But, it all started with Wilma’s obedience to share her favorite devotional with us and continue encouraging us in the Lord.
I loved hearing her testimony of how God had radically healed her of cancer. I loved listening to her insights during our women’s Bible Study. And, I loved that she loved me.
I still do.
As I sat across from her at Bible Study this past Wednesday, I couldn’t help but smile, taking notes every time she shared another pearl of wisdom. For example, as we all talked about the power of social media and the good and bad aspects of Facebook, Wilma picked up her Bible and said, “I don’t need Facebook, I’ve got Faithbook.”
That’s classic Wilma.
You know, I once heard Pastor Keith Moore say that we all need “Faith Prodders” in life, comparing those folks to a rancher with his cattle prodder, moving the contrary cows from field to field.
In my life, Wilma has been a very important “Faith Prodder,” and she continues to prod this blonde bovine every chance she gets. For that, I am ever so grateful.
I’m sure you have Faith Prodders in your life, too, and I hope you honor them and let them know just how much they mean to you. But let me ask you this–are you a Faith Prodder in anyone else’s life?
Are you sharing your testimony when the Holy Spirit urges you? Are you recommending devotionals that have changed your life to your friends and family? Are you encouraging others in their faith walk?
If not, maybe it’s time.
Because no matter how unqualified you think you are or how nervous you feel talking to others about your faith, God can use you. In fact, He can use you in a way that He can’t use anyone else.
And, there are certain people in your circle who won’t receive from anyone else but you. So, why not be like Wilma today? Step out in faith and be a Faith Prodder.
Pray this with me:
Father, I am so thankful for the Faith Prodders You’ve put in my life. I pray that You especially bless them today, Lord. And, Father, help me to be that Faith Prodder in someone else’s life. Use me, Lord. I’m willing and available, and I’m so thankful that You are my God. In the Mighty Name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.
