Be encouraged and encourage others

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

 Life can be so discouraging at times. I was talking to a young student when he said that, ‘Life in campus is boring.’ I looked around. At first I wasn’t convince what he just complained. When I asked what do you mean? He further explained that nobody really want to be his friend. “There are times when I need someone for support, they just not there for me. Whenever I try to communicate with them about my problems or when I'm in my darkest moment in life, they would tell me to shut up and continue doing their own things... I’m giving up...”

There are many people around us that need some encouragement. Sometime you yourself may long for someone to come beside you to encourage and strengthen you. Encouragement gives you the courage to go on. It inspires you with the hope that you can make a difference.

The greatest example of Encouragement Giver is God Himself. His Word brings comfort to many people who trust Him in difficulties and when facing challenges. Being Christ followers doesn’t mean that we will not experience hurt, pain and discouraging moments. In fact, we will. But God had promise that He will encourage us through His Word with comfort, hope and strength.

Be encouraged and encourage others. Dear readers, sometime - most of the time, God will use you to empower others. Your small gesture of encouragement may change people’s life. John C. Maxwell writes about What You Need to Know to Encourage People;

People are insecure… give them confidence.

People like to feel special… sincerely compliment them.

People are looking for a better tomorrow… show them hope.

People need to be understood… listen to them.

People lack directions… navigate for them.

People are selfish… speak to their needs first.

People get downhearted… encourage them.

People want to be associated with success… help them win.

People desire meaningful relationships… provide community.

People seek models to follow… be an example.

Remember; THINK BIG God is the Ultimate Encourager. Therefore, we ought to do the same. START SMALL It doesn’t have to take super ability or skill to encourage others. It takes a sincere heart that want to add value to others. GO DEEP Your encouragements may change people’s life and almost always will change yours too.

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