Timothy was a young man who started following Paul during a visit to Lystra. Timothy had been raised to know and honor God, which had led him to develop a sincere faith and commitment to the Lord. Paul became Timothy’s mentor, but their relationship was much like a father-son bond. Their relationship grew to where Paul referred to Timothy as “my son in the faith” (1Tim. 1:2,18). Timothy was humble and teachable, which was the right attitude for his mentorship to be successful. Knowing that Timothy was young, Paul not only exercised patience as he grew in wisdom and faith, but also provided encouragement along the way. Timothy witnessed firsthand the ups and downs of ministry life, but Paul wanted Timothy to know that God had chosen him to do great things, and had equipped him with the tools that would help his ministry.

We, too, are called to set an example for others in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. However, we are also surrounded by “a great cloud of witnesses” who will watch our every step and try to discourage us when we falter. Paul often reminded Timothy to guard the truth he had been entrusted with and not to lose his zeal for ministry, and the same is true for us. When trials come, it is important to remember that God has given us the tools necessary to overcome.

Regardless of our age, our past, or what the others think, God can use us to grow His Kingdom. As we seek to share God’s message with the world, let us look for the encouragers in our lives, and let us be an encourager.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for the people and ministries you have placed in my life to help me grow in faith and have served as an encouragement to me. Use me to be an encouragement to others and join in the work you are doing around me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’s name, amen.

1.    1 Timothy 4:12, 14-15 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.