Encouragement

The dictionary defines the word encourage as follows: 

"to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence" 

When I think of the word encourage I think about physically, mentally and spiritually coming alongside someone on their journey.  This is not a job that requires a resume, a degree or a ton of life experience, what it does require is empathy. Sometimes we do have life experiences that validate our words, sometimes we have no words, but we need to validate their feelings. 

"BE KIND. For everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about."

We usually feel compelled to say something or offer help when a friend is in need. Sometimes people say the dumbest things. They mean well, but just don't know what to say.  

I am so thankful for a whole book that says all the right things!

"Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” Isaiah 41:10 MSG

“The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 NLT

“I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11 MSG

“Your GOD is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs.” Zephaniah 3:16-17 MSG

“but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” Daniel 11:32b NKJV

“And with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.” Isaiah 53:5b AMP

“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls." Hebrews 6:19a NLT

“Still, I know that God lives—the One who gives me back my life— 

Job 19:26a MSG

“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am GOD, your personal God"

Isaiah 43:2-3 MSG

Here are some other quotes that I found captivating:

"Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared to death" Omar Bradley

"Courage is the mastery of fear not the absence of fear" Mark Twain

"Be fabulous - God spared no enthusiasm when He created you!" Author Unknown

"I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds there are many more hills to climb." Mandela 

"In family life, love is the oil that eases the friction, the cement that binds closer together and the music that brings harmony" Eva Burrows

My prayer is as you read and re-read these verses they will attach to your spirit and when trouble comes your way, or you have a friend in need you will remember what God says! We don't have to have the right words, God does! Listen to his voice. Whatever you are facing - God IS: Our healer, our provider, our strength, our banner (feeling of hope; a focus point), our peace, our shepherd, our righteousness, and our friend. 

And if not, God is still good!

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego answered the king. They said, “Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves to you. You can throw us into the blazing furnace. The God we serve is able to save us from the furnace and your power. If he does this, it is good. But even if God does not save us, we want you, our king, to know this: We will not serve your gods. We will not worship the gold statue you have set up.”" Daniel 3:16-18

What amazing resolve these young men had when faced with such adversity. They believed in God and knew that he is true to his word. They knew that God was to be worshipped and not the golden image set before them by the king. 

They trusted God and did not waiver. Everyone around them buckled under pressure, they did not! They remained standing, strong, together. They weren't concerned about the consequences of an earthly King, they were servants of the Most High God.

I had this similar state of resolve as I walked through my cancer journey. I totally trusted God. I knew He could heal me (He did), but even if he didn't I knew that He is still good! There are other areas in life I don't seem to have this same sense of a resolve in. I get sidetracked by the problem. I bow to the pressure. 

We have to remember who we serve and what he is capable of. Trials will come, health and marriages fail, finances come and go, BUT the God whom I serve is with us every step!

“Do not be afraid — I will save you. I have called you by name — you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burnt; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. For I am the Lord your God, the holy God of Israel, who saves you.” Isaiah 43:1b-3a

My prayer for you is that as you face your "Nebuchadnezzar" you would stand strong, with great resolve knowing that God is with you, He is for you, and He loves you! We can get caught up, distracted, and bow to the pressures of this life, don't get discouraged, stand back up! 

“See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children" 1 John 3:1a