This last blog post of 2022 is brought to you by the letter E for Encouragement.
It’s a word we throw around a lot, yet I wonder if it loses it’s meaning in today’s world of self-reliance with the noise of “go make it happen” and “be a boss babe” mantras.
WordHippo defines encouragement as:
- The action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope
- To drive spiritually or urge someone on
- To champion or endorse a cause
- To promote or nurture the development of
But how often do we rely on ourselves in these ways? And in doing so, could that be considered disobedient to God’s plan for us to be interdependent in our Christian walk? Chew on that a bit.
What does the Bible teach us about encouragement and the part it plays in us walking out God’s assignment? And how does this apply to business? I did some research on this for Episode 180 of my podcast, and I found that God has plenty to say about encouragement in His instruction to us, which we can apply in life and business. The scriptures He led me to are:
Proverbs 27:17 – Solomon compares the encouragement of friends as iron sharpening iron. The right encouragement keeps us steadfast in God’s truth and accountable to standing strong in our assignment, like iron sharpening iron. Who do you have in your circle that encourages you like this?
Exodus: 17:8-13 – As the Israelites prepare to battle the Amalekites, Moses promises to direct Joshua from the top of a hill, and the battle finds them winning when Moses’ arms are up, yet losing ground as his arms fall in exhaustion. What does his encouragement entourage do? They support him and the cause by giving Moses a rock to sit on and holding up his arms so they don’t fall in weariness. Sometimes the help we need isn’t cheerleading, it’s people to hold us up when we’re tired and weary.
Hebrews 10:24-25 – Here we’re reminded that God made us for interdependence, and that we need each other to walk in faith because we can’t do it alone. We need encouragement to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess” and we need to be reminded that “he who promised is faithful.” We are instructed to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” and encourage one another. The same is true for your business, friend: encouragement is a necessary tool in your arsenal.
It’s not easy for us ambitious Christian women to admit we need help, as we’re so trained to carry the load ourselves and to desire control over it. Let me encourage you today: the Word is clear on the importance of encouragement. Here are some places to find it:
1. Be sure you’re “bookending” your day with the Lord – read His word, pray and journal with Him.
2. Get yourself a coach that can support your growth with strategy, accountability, focus and encouragement (hint: that’s me! Let’s chat!)
3. Find your community (hint: I’ve got one of those, it’s called ROOTED – come visit in January)
Hear more about encouragement as part of my SAFEty First series on episode 180 of my show Redefining Hustle: Pursuing Success as a Christian Woman. Listen today on your fave network or the Edifi app, and download my 4 Keys tool here!
PS BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS:
💥 Live stream of the podcast starts Monday, Jan 2! Join me live every week at noon eastern on FB, https://linkedin.com/in/erinharrigan and YouTube
💥 Ready to level up in 2023 with me as your coach? I’ve got three spots open for January! Get the details here!
