What a wonderful world it would be if we all learned to unlock the power of encouragement. Encouragement is the act of inspiring others with renewed courage, renewed spirit, or renewed hope.
In the New Testament, the words most often translated as “encouragement” mean “alongside of” and “to call.” When people come alongside us during difficult times to give us renewed courage, a renewed spirit, renewed hope — that’s encouragement.
History has been changed by the power of encouragement. Think of Aaron and Hur lifting Moses’ hands toward heaven in Exodus 17 as Joshua fought in the valley below. Consider the power of Isaiah’s words to King Ahaz when Judah was faced with invasion by two enemies: “Take heed, and be quiet; do not fear or be fainthearted for these two stubs of smoking firebrands” (Isaiah 7:4).
When Moses was preparing the Israelites to finally enter the Promised Land, he told them: “Look, the LORD your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the LORD God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged…. Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall go in there. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it” (Deuteronomy 1:21,38).
Moses was saying, “Don’t be discouraged. And don’t be a discourager. Encourage Joshua!”
You and I can also lift and hold up the spirits of others in our fight against our enemy (satan)
Nobody accomplishes anything in isolation. The Bible says, “None of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself” (Romans 14:7). Everyone who does anything noteworthy is blessed with at least one cheerleader — one person gifted with hope, faith, and a can-do attitude. I have been blessed with my wife Karlene who for 25 years has encouraged me to follow Gods plan for our life! Many times the burdens have weighed heavy on her. Yet she always gives me a reassuring smile.
You can be that person in another’s life. Today choose to ENCOURAGE !
Rev Ran 🙂