I recently thought about the people in my life who mentored me in the early years of my Christian faith. I am thankful for their patience and interest in me. I was immature in my understanding and perhaps a bit too zealous, yet they poured into my life and encouraged me to go deeper in my relationship with Jesus.
I recall how a dear friend of mine opened my eyes to the concept of a personal relationship with Jesus. It changed my life. I remember how years ago our pastor encouraged me to preach a sermon while he sat in the pew and listened. “I’m can’t do that,” I objected. He smiled and told me, “I love it when people get up from the pews and do things the pastor usually does while I’m sitting in the pew.”
When I read 1 Thessalonians 3:7-9 I think of these people in my life. Some are still dear friends and others have moved on to other places and ministries to mentor others in the faith. At times we have encouraged one another as we faced struggles in life. Like Paul, I am so thankful for the faithful Christians God has placed in my life. I can’t thank them enough for the joy in Christ Jesus they have given me. It is a joy I now share as I watch other people in my life grow in their faith.
Who are the mentors in your life who have given you the joy of the Lord? Who are the people you are currently mentoring who bring you joy? If you are so inclined, share those experiences in a comment. Thank you for reading and the joy you bring me through your interaction on this blog. May you continue to experience the joy of the Lord.
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you.” – 1 Thessalonians 3:7-9 (NIV)
© 2019 CGThelen
140 Character Christian 
We all need faithful godly mentors around. It’s wonderful and character building, for your pastor to share the pulpit with you. May your joy within, continue fill your heart; with abundant blessings!
Our pastor was all about nurturing people in the faith. He has since moved on to another church, but his influence remains. May the joy of the Lord Jesus fill you this day.
Blessings!
Great post
Thanks.
I was blessed several years ago in being asked to fill the pulpit on a couple of occasions when the pastor was away. Quite a humbling, but worthy experience.
I’m glad you had that opportunity. Yes, filling the pulpit was humbling, but definitely a good experience for me as well. It helped me appreciate what pastors do each Sunday to preach. Thanks for sharing.
It is so very important that we bond with fellow Christians. It helps shape us, guide us, encourage us and the list could go on. We all need that strength and love so that then we can share with others.
Great point. Fellowship is so important to our growth. Thanks for the comment.
Oh, my! God gifted me with an amazing Christian family (not my own) who brought me to Christ, mentored me, taught me, and loved me deeply through my trials and pride. I am so grateful. I stand amazed at how our Holy God Almighty continues to use sinful, imperfect people to reach others for His glory!
God is truly amazing in how he loves us and cares for us by placing faithful people in our lives who not only care for us, but guide us into a deeper faith in Christ. God’s love is overwhelming! Thanks for sharing about the people in your life.
These past couple years we’ve gotten to know some real prayer warriors and mentors of who God is in real time. We are learning not to be casual Christians!
I so appreciate the prayer warriors in my life. They have taught me so much about seeking God and living out my faith. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I commented to a friend that at my age I should be mentoring younger people, and he replied, “But you are.” And he named a young woman that I had become good friends with and with whom I had been spending a lot of time “sharing.” He assured me that I was having a positive influence on her. I’m thinking sometimes mentoring/discipling can happen without anyone’s officially calling it that.
So true. There have been times when people have told me they remember something I said that helped them and I don’t even recall the conversation. Sometimes I think unofficial mentoring is better. Thanks for sharing.