Who's Your Barnabas.....Your Encourager?

In the book " The 11 Most Indispensable Relationship That You Can't Be Without" Leonard Sweet mentions the importance of having an encourager in your band of brothers/sisters.  Someone who believes in you, and desires to see your candle stay lit.  Listen to how he paints a picture of the need of such a person when your day or days get dark... 

 " What curls you into fetal position?  Death of a loved one?  Depression? Fear of the unknown?  Collapse of a relationship?  Dreaded diagnosis?  Sickness?   When I'm sick, here's my routine: go home, shut the door, close the blinds, and crawl in bed.  And go into fetal position.  I unconsciously want to re-create the conditions of the womb: darkness (hence the closed curtains or blinds), warmth (hence the hot water bottles, and warm blankets), quiet (turn off loud noises -only simple soothing rhythms), cramped quarters (tuck in the bedsheets or comforter).  I want to recreate that time in my life when I felt most secure and taken care of the womb.  

No one can keep you from going into that fetal position...but they can encouraged you to uncurl........ pg 103"

²⁶ When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. Acts 9:26-27

See it was the Barnabas in scripture that spoke up for Saul (newly converted Paul) when the other disciples were afraid of him.  It was the Barnabas in Sam that spoke into the life of Frodo Baggins when the days got dark or the road ahead was tough.....that encouraged him to continue.  Who's that person for you; that will not allow the worst day for you, to get any worst?   That when everyone else has given up on you....they still believe in you?  " Someone who, when life takes your breath away and you hold it in, will slap your back and inspire you with the enlivening Spirit who makes you want to breathe again; ......"

As certain as I am you need a Barnabas (and it's important you identify who HE or SHE is) you also need to be a Barnabas for someone.  Here's your challenge today follow these scriptures:  But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (Heb. 13:3) and 2Cor. 13:11  Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.  LGLP