Affirmation – I’ve been talking about this a lot this year. It’s my word for 2024.

According to Dictionary.com, affirmation is the assertion that something exists or is true.

I’ve been practicing affirmation with words. My friend posted several pictures of her grandma on Facebook. There were no words. But her grandma was very much affirmed.  Affirmation comes in many ways.

Paul defined affirmation in his letter to the Corinthians …

“… It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ,
and all for your upbuilding, beloved.”
II Corinthians 12:9

Receiving the upbuildings of another is affirmation.

Last month my husband received a huge affirmation. A friend from our California days (about 30 years ago) was in town for AFA Parent’s Weekend. He reached out and invited Bill to breakfast. Remember that sermon you preached on I John 4:18, “There is no fear in love…”? God met me that morning, and my life was changed. God used your words powerfully.

Since then our friend has gone on to create men’s retreats to pass on the good news of I John 4:18. He has shared the gospel with over 80 who have responded and become Christians. WOW! What a gift his words were to my husband.

The same week I received an email from the husband of a close friend. He shared that his wife, my friend, is celebrating 50 years of leading Bible studies. He is surprising her with notes from many who have been blessed by her teaching. Would I contribute? 50 YEARS!!! During that time, Pam has gifted many as she’s led them in trusting God and His Word. I’m honored to call her my friend.

My friend, Pam

I first met Pam when she was a student at the U of Illinois. I was her first Bible study leader. I wish I had a picture of our small group huddled in that dorm room opening the Word of God together. (Those days were long before cell phones!) His request was an affirmation for me.

Back then I was clueless to the potential of one college student. The thought that one of these students would go on to lead other women for 50 years was not even in my thinking.

This fall I’m co-leading a Bible study on the book of Acts at our church. I’m especially affirmed to be trusted with this opportunity as I’ve never personally studied Acts. My heart is to pass on the affirmation to the ladies in our not-so-small group.

I’m no longer clueless.

Shelly and Me

My desire is to look at each of the ladies in the group and see the image of God. I want to see potential for the Kingdom. I’m trusting that being together with these ladies will have a much bigger outcome than I can even imagine. I want to look back on this group that God has entrusted Shelly and me with, and say WOW!

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
not the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”
I Corinthians 2:9

Affirmation is important; affirmation is encouraging; affirmation opens the doors of potential.

Most importantly, affirmation points to the work of God in another’s life. I’m praying to be aware.

“Not to us, O LORD, not to us,
but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love
and your faithfulness!”
Psalm 115:1

Copyright: Sue Tell, September 2024