You Can Do It!
(Adapted from Our Daily Bread devotional by Dr. Jim Stout, 7/6/22)
Paul and Barnabas ("Son of Encouragement") returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples encouraging them to remain true to the faith."—Acts 14: 21,22)
Encouragement is like oxygen—we can't live without it. This was true for nine-year-old James Savage. The boy swam more than two miles from the San Francisco shoreline to Alcatraz Island and back, breaking the record for the youngest person to accomplish the feat.
But thirty minutes into the swim, the choppy, frigid waters made James want to quit. However, a fleet of paddlers called out, "You can do it." The words gave him the boost he needed to finish his goal.
When the choppy, frigid waters of tribulation made believers in Jesus want to give up, Paul and Barnabas encouraged them to continue their journey. After the apostles preached the gospel in the city of Derbe, they, "returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith" (Acts 14:21,22).
Troubles had weakened them but words of encouragement strengthened their resolve to live for Christ. In God's strength, they realized they could keep pressing on. Finally, Paul and Barnabas helped them understand that they would, "go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).
Yes, living for Jesus can be difficult, and we're sometimes tempted to give up. Fortunately, Jesus and fellow believers in him can provide the encouragement we need to press on. With Him (and them), we can do it!
Questions to ponder:
- What people in your circles of influence need to hear, "You can do it!"?
- What specific words of wisdom and encouragement can you share this week?
A suggested prayer:
"Jesus, when I'm tempted to give up, please send people to give me confidence and courage to my walk with you."
"Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend."—Charles Haddon Spurgeon