Let me use the example of an encourager from the life of Joseph. He shared his dreams from the Lord. They were not received well. Skipping forward he found himself in a prison. Yet he was attentive to those around him.

He noticed when their demeanor changed. Genesis 40:6 says, “And Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they were sad.” It was through that encounter that the stage was set for Joseph to step into what God had called him to walk in.

King Artaxerxes noticed there was a difference in Nehemiah’s countenance. In Nehemiah 2:2 he asked, “…Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart…” The Lord used that encounter to set the stage for the work He had called Nehemiah to do.

Colossians 4:6 Amplified says, “Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned (as it were) with salt, (so that you may never be at a loss) to know how you ought to answer anyone (who puts a question to you).”

We never know what a conversation will lead to. Story after story in Scripture bear this out. Proverbs 16:23-24 says, “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”

The insights the Lord gives us in our crucible, sharpen our senses to encourage those who are in their own crucible. We are the recipients that we might in~courage others in their season of need.