The Supernatural Power of Encouragement

September 9, 2011 by 12 Comments

When you ask a room full of seasoned believers to name some “spiritual gifts”, the word “encouragement” isn’t usually one of the first responses you get. “Healing”, “Tongues”, “Prophesy” and “Words of Knowledge” seem so much more exciting and supernatural. Although I highly value all those gifts and operate in them very frequently, I’ve learned over and over again that some of the seemingly most natural things can have the most supernatural impact.

This inspiring movie I found on YouTube can give you a first idea of what I’m talking about in the lines to come:

AN ENCOURAGED MCDONALD’s MANAGER:

A few weeks ago I sinned. Yes, I’m confessing to you that I went to McDonald’s and I even led some of my best friends into temptation. I really had to talk them into it. Well, now that you and Jesus have forgiven me, I can move on and tell you what I really wanted to say. As we were sitting in there, having our fun and laughing a lot I couldn’t help but notice how extremely well the entire place was taken care of. Somebody would come by every 3 minutes wiping over surfaces, everything looked very clean and everyone was super-friendly. As we got up to leave I went to the counter and requested to have a word with the restaurant-manager. A man in nice shirt, tidy haircut and a little insecure smile on his face appeared shortly after. I shook his hand and started out by saying: “Sir, I just want to let you know that eating at your restaurant was a great experience for me and my fiends. We really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and noticed that you’re doing a great job here.”
Never would I have imagined the impact my words had on the man in front of me. His eyes started to tear up as he told me that he is doing this job now for more than 20 years and no one had ever thanked him for what he was doing!

 

THE BEAUTIFUL SNOWBALL EFFECT:

snowball effect, encouragement

Gaining more and more momentum…

I’m sure you’ve had this happen to you before: you’re having and average day,nothing special happened so far, maybe you’re even feeling a little bit down. Then somebody comes by and pays you a compliment. The person says something like: “Hey, you look great today!” or: “You really did an incredible job with this project earlier.” You think you didn’t hear right, so you look up into the persons eyes expecting that what you just heard was accompanied by a sarcastic funny face. The genuine smile on the strange person’s face however leaves no doubt: You’ve just been encouraged! This feels great! Now you begin to smile and say something around the lines of: “Oh! You think so? Thanks, but it really wasn’t a big deal at all…”. As soon as the conversation is over, you turn around and walk off as a different person. You suddenly feel more significant, energetic and see the world through new glasses. A few steps further down the hallway, you run into someone else and somehow can’t help but notice what a great job they are doing. You tell them. And a few others, who are now walking off in encourage-everything-you-see mode as well. A snowball of almost unstoppable power just started rolling down the hill in your office, church or whatever other location you’re at.

What I just described sounds extremely simple and generalized. But at least in this one area, we as human beings truly are very simple: When we feel encouraged, we can’t help but encourage others. It’s contagious. As Christians who live a revival lifestyle we can always be encouraged in Him and therefore start “snowballs” wherever we go. We are so to say “Holy Snowball Rollers”… well, I’m sure you get the point. Certainly that was a big part of what Paul meant when he said he wishes we “may all prophesy”. He knew that a culture of encouraged people will always produce courageous people. 
“To live in courage requires encouragement.” – Bill Johnson
Especially as leaders, that want to create an empowering culture, we have to learn how to harness the potential and power of encouragement in our daily interaction with team members and mentees.  

 

MY QUESTIONS TO YOU:

Do you ever think of the (positive) power of your words and how they can affect others? What would happen to the world around you (your family, co-workers, friends) if you could always feel encouraged? Would you agree with me when I say that the power of encouragement is one of the mightiest weapons a every-day revivalist is equipped with and irreplaceable when it comes to living a revival-lifestyle?
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About Daniel Vogler

I help believers and churches to step into their full potential and release heaven on earth every day. I'm also a BSSM 3rd year graduate, speaker, artist and love business start ups. Learn more about me, contact me, or follow me.

  • http://Jasonkid87.blogspot.com Jason

    This is a good post, really convicted me to live a life that builds a culture wher we encourage one another n how one simple encouragement can go a long way

    • http://www.revivallifestyle.com Daniel Vogler

      Hey Jason, welcome to my Blog! Yep encouragement is HUGE! Just checked out your blog and love what your doing. I’m sure we’ll hear from each other soon ;)

  • Dave Cajes

    Encouragement really is important in our everyday lives. As a student, encouragement was never part of the role but now, I realized that even a simple “That was great!You were amazing back there!” can go a very long way. I have made good friends with a lot of people but forgot to encourage them. I think it’s time to encourage them everyday by sharing to them the Gospel and lead them a have a relationship with God.

    • http://www.revivallifestyle.com/ Daniel Vogler

      I know it’s so easy to forget about the incredible power of encouraging words. Especially in our own families and with close friends. I think this is what Paul was talking about when he said he wishes that we all may prophesy. He knew that a culture full of encouragement will produce encouraged, courageous people.
      Have you made any experiences with encouragement since reading this post, Dave?

  • http://www.saltandsparkle.com/home/2012/1/5/thoughts-of-september-2011-project-52.html Nics Cahill

    Encouragement is absolutely crucial to give, I too have been bowled over by experiences like yours in MacDonald’s for simply saying thank you. I love how God blesses people through our encouragement, and how He uses our words.

    It amazes me how little people say thank you, or how few people take the time to say well done. When I worked in television, I was flabbergasted at how little team work there was, and how quickly people wanted to tear you apart, instead of encouraging you. Many people in this media industry are ridiculously insecure, leading to a cut throat nature, that would always pull down, rather than build it. I would go so far as to say that some thought that encouraging others, in this media environment means that they put themselves at risk, their jobs in jeopardy, in some stupid sense they think they devalue their own work, or make themselves less significant. It is crazy but true.

    Great post, as always Daniel.

    Take care,
    Nics

    • http://www.revivallifestyle.com/ Daniel Vogler

      wow thanks for the report from inside the tv industry, Nics. I didn’t know you were involved in that! Always great to find out more about what you’re doing haha
      It’s crazy how in negative cultures it usually keeps getting worse, since no one is able to break through the “curse” of discouragement. People drag each other down further and further. What a fun environment to practice the opposite spirit, though!

  • Joy S.

    This was definitely something I needed to hear! I’ve been trying to focus on seeing the potential in others instead of always going to the negative. Plus, I know exactly what it’s like to get an unforeseen word of encouragement, it really does change your whole demeanor.

    Thanks for the post!

    • http://www.revivallifestyle.com/ Daniel Vogler

      Glad it inspired you, Joy! Welcome to my blog! Where are you from?

      • Joy S.

        Thanks! I’m from Chicago.

        • http://www.revivallifestyle.com/ Daniel Vogler

          Sweet. Have only had a layover there, but never seen the city. I’m in Wyoming right now. I bless you specifically with an increase and strengthening of strong friendships!

  • April C.

    Such an encouraging post Daniel…Indeed, “some of the seemingly most natural things can have the most supernatural impact”! This is something that we unconsciously forget…I was reminded when Ptr. Matt Coil was here imparting about the treasure hunt, he told us how simple word of encouragement can make a supernatural difference…Thank you! :)

    • http://www.revivallifestyle.com/ Daniel Vogler

      Thanks April, glad to hear you found it encouraging ;)