The Christian Life: Your Breakthrough Is in Your Encouragement

By: Minister Denise Fyffe

Today, I want to share a testimony from Sister Colline Goulbourne. She recently reflected on an experience from her younger years; I could clearly hear the voice of the Lord teaching us a powerful lesson. Her story is a reminder that sometimes our breakthrough is hidden in how we encourage others—even while we ourselves are still waiting on God.

The Testimony

As Colline left downtown that morning, heading home in the taxi, God reminded her of when she competed in the Miss Harbour View Pageant. She remembered that after they selected the top 10, some persons’ names were not called. Many of them were crying. She found herself encouraging them, telling them that it was not the end of their life. Just because they didn’t make the top 10 didn’t mean their purpose was over. They could always enter again the next time. At least they had gained experience and exposure.

That’s the thing: just because someone tries something once and is not successful, it doesn’t mean they can’t try again—until they succeed. Maybe God is teaching patience in the process. Maybe He is teaching confidence in oneself. Maybe He is teaching how to wait on Him. In every situation, God is teaching something by faith. As we go through, He is building character in us.

In that pageant, she too didn’t make the top 10. Honestly, she hadn’t even wanted to enter in the first place. She didn’t mind whether she won or not. All she knew was that she gained experience and exposure. Her sister encouraged her, even forced her—locking her in the room with the contestants when she had only gone to watch them practice! She told her sister that if she entered, she would too. So her sister entered, and she followed. Oliver Clue, who was in charge of the pageant, also encouraged her. In the end, it was a good experience.

While there, she was relaxed, comforting those who needed comfort and encouraging those who felt it was the end of their journey. She reminded them that not being chosen wasn’t the end of their life. She didn’t make the top 10 either, and she wasn’t discouraged. The MC even spoke about her, saying that whenever he visited T&D, he couldn’t help but stop by to greet her. He had already called her name, but she was so busy encouraging others that she didn’t hear. Someone had to run inside to call her.

She was confused and rushed out, not even knowing if she looked presentable. That’s when she heard him announce that she had won Miss Congeniality. She received a voucher for two to dine at Pegasus, and she took her sister, who also hadn’t made the top 10. But when they collected the food, the Spirit led her not to eat it there. Instead, she carried it home to share with the other contestants—because in her eyes, they were all winners.

So they had a feast together. God reminded Colline of this pageant to encourage others: Don’t wait until you come out of your situation to help someone else. Don’t wait until you get your breakthrough before you pray for and encourage others. Sometimes your blessing is tied to your encouragement of another. When you take care of God’s business by uplifting others, He takes care of your affairs.

Be Encouraged

Beloved, isn’t that powerful? Colline’s story shows us that God often uses our willingness to encourage others as the very key to our own breakthrough.

Think about the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:8–16. She had only a little flour and oil left for herself and her son, yet she obeyed the word of the prophet Elijah and gave first. In her obedience, her faith was activated, and God multiplied her supply. She didn’t wait until she had abundance to give—she gave in her lack, and God turned it into overflow.

In the same way, when you choose to lift someone else up while you are still waiting on your own answer, you are sowing seeds of breakthrough. God sees your faith, your obedience, and your willingness to care for His people. And in due time, He will take care of your affairs.

So, I encourage you today: don’t wait until you are out of the storm to encourage someone else in theirs. Don’t wait until you are free to pray for another’s deliverance. Your blessing may be tied to your encouragement.

Be encouraged, and be blessed.

 

*****

Editor:

Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, editor, and passionate servant of the living God. Her journey with Christ began at a tender age when she wholeheartedly accepted Jesus as her Savior.

As the founding minister of Revealing the Christian Life Ministry, Denise endeavors to serve others and share the transformative power of God’s Word. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she engages in community outreach and extends a helping hand to those in need. Her dedication to Christian mentorship empowers others to grow in their faith and discover their unique purpose in Christ.