Empowering Others

​Has anyone ever treated you special, or spoken words of encouragement that were just what you needed? Being affirmed in our efforts can make a real difference in how we approach the tasks we need to accomplish, or our ministries. Affirmation can give us the confidence we need and can empower us to carry on with our work.
 
Jesus knew how to treat his friends and disciples.  He knew how to encourage their hearts. He demonstrated how to empower others.
 
Jesus took Peter, James and John with him to a special place for a very special event.  We read in Luke 9:28-36 that Jesus took these three disciples up into the mountain to pray. If you have ever spent time with close friends for a time of prayer you know how powerful and precious that time can be.  I’m trying to imagine being there that day.  Knowing my temperament, I know I would not have voiced what Peter did, but I certainly would have wanted the same thing that Peter wanted.  Peter had the courage to say just what was on his mind. “Lord, let’s just stay right here and never leave.  This is so wonderful, let’s build ourselves some houses and not go back down off this mountain.” I know - I’ve taken liberties with this quote.
 
The point is, Jesus took special time with these precious friends with whom He was ministering.
 
Jesus included them in this mountain-top experience and the knowledge that He had confidence in their capabilities as leaders and influencers in the world surely empowered them. 
 
Not long after Jesus had taken Peter, James and John on their private road trip, Jesus gathered 70 workers. He instructed them to go out two by two “into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.” (Luke 10:1b)  He sent them out with several words of encouragement and direction.

• They were not to go alone; they were to work as teams of two
• He gave them specific tasks to prepare the people for Jesus’ arrival
• He assured them their work was important
• He warned them of possible difficulties, but gave them appropriate steps to handle those
• He rejoiced with them when they returned, but cautioned them not to rejoice in the miracles they were a part of, but in the fact that their “names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10: 20)

(Adapted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible)
I need to ask myself:

1. Do those I minister with know they are special to me?
2. How do I help them understand how much I value them?
3. How do I empower them? 

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