Take Courage

When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of [Azariah son of] Oded the prophet, he took courage and removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. He renovated the altar of Yahweh that was in front of the vestibule of Yahweh's [temple]. - 2 Chronicles 15:8

I am very thankful to God for the encouragement of the saints! Often in my life and ministry, when things were not going well, the Lord sent someone along with a word of encouragement, at just the right moment to let me know that He was there, to let me know that He cared.

As we can see in the life of Asa, two things happen when you encourage someone. First, they "take courage." The person who is on the receiving end of your encouraging words and actions will see that there is a companion in the fight. Second, having understood that they are not alone in the fight, your friend will then keep fighting! We all need God's strength to finish that which He has started in our lives and ministries and your encouragement may be the only thing your friend needs to stick it out.

Someone you know needs encouragement today. They may even be on the verge of "hanging it up." Listen to the Spirit. Write the note. Make the call. Send the text. Encourage one another daily, for the day is coming when you, yourself, will be the one who needs it.

Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement, and we will make the goal. - Robert Collier