Encourage One Another | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Encourage One Another | Previous Challenge Entry
By Charles Salmon
11/15/07
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Encourage One Another

Is there anyone among us who has not felt deeply discouraged at some time in his life? Discouragement seems to be the lot in life of one who tries to live for God or accomplish anything in His Name.

The Old Testament prophet Elijah became so discouraged about doing God’s work and about life in general he “went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” (I Kings 19:4NIV) I guess everyone experiences some of these “I’ve-had-enough” times when one difficulty piles on top of another and there seems to be scant hope for better days..

Did you know the Lord wants to encourage you through His Word and through His people? Romans 15:5 refers to our Lord as the God Who gives endurance and encouragement and tells us “everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Faith teaches us God loves us and works through all circumstances of our lives to bring about the very best for us. We may not understand what God is doing with us but we believe He is preparing us for an eternal life of unmixed joy and peace in His Presence. I do not presume to claim I comprehend the purpose behind some of the events He permits or initiates but I take consolation in knowing He understands suffering, having suffered Himself while in the flesh. At times, I simply must trust His love.

In the end, Elijah found the strength and courage to go on to some great victories because he resorted to God for help. The Scriptures are full of stories of men and women who, having come to the end of their own strength. find endurance and encouragement in God. We all need encouragement at one time or another. My prayer for you is this; May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, . . . encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” II Thessalonians 2:16, 17.

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