The headmaster of a British primary school wrote a letter to encourage his students after a long and hard week of testing. He said, “The school is proud of you as you have demonstrated a huge amount of commitment and tried your very best during a tricky week. These tests do not always assess all of what it is that make each of you special and unique. The people who drew up the tests do not know each of you. . . . These people do not know you try, every day, to be your very best. Remember that there are many ways of being smart.”
What encouraging words! Encouragement is a powerful tool. This is probably why, like that British principal, King Hezekiah gave a brief but powerful speech to encourage his troops during a particularly discouraging time.
In the 14th year of the faithful reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, King Sennacherib moved to seize Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:13; 2 Chronicles 32:1). Hezekiah implemented counter-measures, which included concealing water supplies and repairing the breaches in the wall. Then, to infuse his troops with confidence, Hezekiah encouraged them not to be fearful or discouraged (2 Chronicles 32:7-8). The king wanted a great reality to wash over their hearts: The Lord is greater than the Assyrian army. Yes, their foes were powerful, but Hezekiah reminded his people that victory doesn’t come from an army’s might—it comes from our all-powerful God.
Do you know people who are facing discouragement, fear, and anxiety? Has something robbed them of their peace and joy? Remind them of these truths: God hears our cries, comforts us in our fears, steadies our lives with His powerful hand, and is stronger than any enemy. Be encouraged!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Jonah 1:1–2:10
More:
Read Isaiah 40:30-31 and see some of the effects of being encouraged by God.
Next:
When do you tend to get discouraged, and how do you typically respond? How does the reality that God is on your side and fighting for you cause your heart to soar?
gary1schelvan on June 3, 2015 at 1:52 am
Wow! Thank you Marvin for writing this beautiful posting. This just happens to be my “pet project”, the offering of encouragement. To use the power of our spoken words to lift other people up, to encourage them, is one of the highest callings for us as Christians I believe. It is especially true in this day and age, when every which way you turn, there are forces at work to discourage people, and most of all Christians who dare to speak out. My name is Gary Schelvan, and I’ve often day dreamed about changing it to Barnabas Schelvan! Encouragement to all people, believers as well as non-believers is so essential. For non-believers, they can see your Christian life in action, for believers, it can give them strength to keep going. So Marvin, I encourage you to keep writing these great posts! HOORAY!
Tom Felten on June 3, 2015 at 9:05 am
Gary, I’m reminded of what happened to a friend of mine many years ago. He was working as a youth pastor at the time and one of his youth, a young man, wanted to bless him by writing down how much he appreciated my friend. Well, the young writer sent the note to the church leadership who enjoyed one line in particular, “[My friend’s name] is truly a Barabbas the Encourager.” Oops! That wrong name certainly changed what the young man was trying to communicate. 🙂 But, yes, my friend is an encourager like you, Gary. May we all allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us today to encourage those around us!
Ruth O'reilly-smith on June 4, 2015 at 5:02 am
‘Encouragement is to a person what spinach is to Popeye’ – love that! We need to be intentional about encouragement – we often think great things about people but we forget to express that encouragement out loud. I’m reminded of Proverbs 11:25 “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed”.