Needing A Cheerleader — Morning Devotions

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Transcript

I smiled when I heard my minister at church referring fondly to his wife as my best cheerleader. Now I think I know what he meant. He beamed at her with a loving glance, and we in the congregation were aware of what he was saying. His wife, she’s a great person who gives him lots of assurance and confidence, and she was cheering him on in his work, giving support and guidance at every step.

And it was nice to hear that affirmation from husband to wife. I’m sure there are times when we all need that kind of support in the tough days, especially when we face a misunderstanding or unfair criticism, especially for ministers in running their church or parish. That Sunday morning comment caused me to think we all need a cheerleader.

At least one person who’ll come alongside us to say, keep going, you’re doing a good job, don’t give up. We tend to remember people who support us like that, special individuals who seem to have that gift of personal grace and encouragement. You can call them friends, mentors, or buddies, whatever you like. They help us in special ways to reach our goals, to boost our confidence, and to celebrate our achievements. And often these good people see your potential before you do.

And their words can be just what you need at that moment.

You may have heard that saying, I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but God eluded me. But I sought my brother, and I found all three. It’s a wonderful truth. In finding a soul mate in life, you find someone who will walk life’s journey with you. Each of us needs a cheerleader, especially if you’re going through a time of transition, change, or crisis, someone who will back you up. Have you got a special friend? A supporter who will show you the kindness you need just at the right moment. I hope you do.

Did you know that God is your greatest cheerleader? He is for you, not against you.

I don’t know why so many think that God is angry with them. Where does that come from? God’s not angry at you. He loves you, doesn’t hate you. He doesn’t dislike or reject you. Quite the contrary.

God created you and He loves you. He doesn’t abandon His creation. The Bible says in Romans chapter 8, If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold His own Son but gave Him up for all of us, will He not also give us everything else?

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When you face a rough day or a challenge or problem, it’s easy to forget that God is on your side. Imagine the God of the universe standing beside you as you face any and every problem. It’s mind-blowing when you think about it. If life gets out of control, quote that promise from the Bible that says, if God is for us, who can be against us?

The much loved and bestselling inspirational author is Max Lucado, and he used to say this God is for you. Had he a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove a car, your name would be on his bumper bar. If there’s a tree in heaven, he’s carved your name in the bark. We know that he has a tattoo. We know what it says. I have written your name on my hand. And now that’s a quote from Isaiah 49.

How can we know for sure that God is thinking about us this morning? There are so many people in the world. Would he be personally interested in me? This God is the one whose breath gave me life. We will never stop existing and there’s nothing more valuable than something that will last forever. Our problem is that we fill our lives trying to fix that God-sized hole in our hearts. There are always hollow spaces and gaps that make us unfulfilled.

Do people let you down? Are you constantly disappointed with life or even with your own family, they can never do what a loving God can do for you. Our friendship with God, our Heavenly Father, fills the biggest gap in our lives. The Bible says that he understands us more than anyone else can.

Psalm 139 says, You know everything I do. You know what I’m going to say before I say it, Lord. That was written by David. And another way of saying it was – God knows your everyday schedule. He knows your thoughts before you think them. He knows everywhere you’re going. He knows what you’re going to say before you say it. His hand is always on you. His knowledge is too high for you to attain. You will never know yourself like God knows you. It’s impossible to escape His presence, for He leads you.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, thank you that you are the great cheerleader. You cheer me on. You keep me going, especially when I feel downhearted or rejected or I feel like a failure. Thank you for that immense and eternal love you have for me. Amen.

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