Don't Overlook The Strong Ones

Somewhere along the way, many of us learned to look for people who appear to be struggling. We notice the tears, the discouragement, the visible signs that someone needs help. Those people certainly need our compassion and encouragement.

But there is another group of people we often overlook.

The strong ones.

The ones who seem to have it all together.

The ones who keep showing up, keep serving, keep solving problems, and keep carrying responsibilities without complaining.

I would be willing to bet money on this: the person who appears strongest on the outside is often the one who needs encouragement the most.

Not because they are weak, but because they are carrying burdens few people know about.

Many strong people don't talk about what they're going through. They don't want to burden others. They don't seek attention. They simply put one foot in front of the other and do the best they can with what is in front of them.

Because they don't advertise their struggles, they can become invisible.

People assume they're fine.

People assume they don't need help.

People assume someone else is checking on them.

But assumptions can leave even the strongest people feeling alone.

Years ago, I experienced this firsthand.

I was dealing with one issue after another at my tower site. Problems seemed to be coming from every direction, and I was exhausted mentally and emotionally. I had reached the point where I wasn't sure what to do next.

I needed to drive into town to pick up some supplies. My tower site is several miles outside of town, so I made the trip and stopped at a local store.

As I was paying for my items, the lady behind the counter looked at me and said, "Can you hang on just a second? I want to give you something."

She reached underneath the counter, grabbed her purse, and pulled out a small card.

On that card was a Bible verse.

I wish I could remember exactly which verse it was. What I do remember is how much I needed it in that moment.

She didn't know me.

She didn't know what I had been dealing with.

She didn't know the frustration, discouragement, or pressure I was carrying.

But she noticed.

And because she noticed, she acted.

What may have seemed like a small gesture to her became a powerful reminder to me that God sees us and often uses ordinary people to deliver extraordinary encouragement.

I've never forgotten that moment.

That's the thing about encouragement.

We often underestimate its impact because we only see the few seconds it takes to offer it. We don't see how long it stays with the person receiving it.

A text message.

A handwritten note.

A sincere compliment.

A prayer.

A simple question: "How are you doing?"

These things may seem small, but they can leave a lasting imprint on someone's heart.

The Bible repeatedly reminds us of the importance of encouraging one another.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Notice that Paul doesn't suggest encouragement as an occasional act. He presents it as part of the Christian life. We are called to build one another up.

Sometimes that means encouraging someone who is visibly struggling.

Other times it means encouraging the person who appears to need it the least.

Today, take a moment to think about the strong people in your life.

The caregiver.

The leader.

The parent.

The friend who is always helping everyone else.

The coworker who never complains.

The person who always seems steady and dependable.

Reach out to them.

Send a message.

Make a phone call.

Ask how they're doing.

You may not hear their whole story.

They may even tell you they're fine.

But they will know someone cared enough to ask.

And sometimes, that's exactly the encouragement they need.

VoiceRise Challenge

Think of one strong person in your life who rarely receives encouragement because everyone assumes they're okay.

Contact them today.

You never know how much your words may mean—or how long they'll be remembered.