Encouragement for Today

May 21, 2025 It Matters More Than You’ll Know MEREDITH BROCK Lee en español

“… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (CSB)

It was a simple text message from a friend on a Tuesday morning in the gym parking lot: “I’m sitting in the doctor’s office waiting room, and God brought you to mind …”

The remainder of her message stunned me. It spoke directly to my situation and reminded me so poignantly of God’s promises I had forgotten. I had been holding back emotions for weeks, but now the dam broke, and tears streamed down my face.

I’d been living through a firestorm of one difficult thing after another. I’d been angry at God, pleading with Him to show up, begging Him to speak and provide, but was met with silence.

Until that text message lit up my phone — and it reminded me that God saw me, that He had not abandoned me and had been leading me all along.

It wasn't just a friend reaching out; it felt like the Holy Spirit personally spoke to her heart to send a message to me in a way I couldn't miss. And in doing so, she let her light shine.

Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” This is about so much more than random acts of kindness. It's an instruction from Jesus for us to make ourselves available, follow His promptings, and shine His light to those who need to hear from Him.

The way we show love to others matters far more than we will ever know. My friend did this for me. And we can do this too.

It could be writing a quick text, using your words to acknowledge the gifts you see in someone, or sending a meal on a hard day. Maybe it looks like sharing a devotion like this one with someone who needs encouragement. Even the simplest gesture can be the breakthrough someone’s been desperate for.

As the CEO of Proverbs 31 Ministries, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “the devotion today was exactly what God wanted me to hear” or “Proverbs 31 Ministries was a lifeline to God in my darkest season.” I’m so grateful God has used our efforts to shine His light and show His love to people in their hardest moments. We want to be the “text message” that brings back hope for someone who feels like they have none. Maybe you have your own story of how Proverbs 31 Ministries has done this for you.

We want to keep showing up for you, your family and your friends with free biblical resources, but we can’t do it without your financial support. We’re in the middle of our midyear financial campaign to raise $750,000 and want to invite you to show up for us like we’ve shown up for you. A gift of any size matters. It would mean so much to us if you chose to show the love of God through your generosity today. You can give here.

Lord, thank You for choosing to use us as Good News messengers. May we obey Your promptings to love others so the world may see Your goodness and glorify You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

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What can $10 do? It can help provide a woman with biblical wisdom when she’s searching for answers. It can bring encouragement to someone who feels alone. It can make sure free devotions — like Encouragement for Today — keep reaching inboxes every morning. Your $10 gift may seem small, but every gift given in faith multiplies in impact. Will you be a part of our mission to equip and encourage women with God’s Word? Give $10 now.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 112:5, “Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice” (NIV).

How has someone shined their light in a way that brought you hope and encouragement when you needed it?

What’s one simple gesture of generosity you can do today to love someone else? Share with us in the comments!

© 2025 by Meredith Brock. All rights reserved.