Recently, I have seen how life can be a struggle for many. Whatever it is that challenges us, we all know that it helps a lot when we hear words of encouragement. I have learned that there is no exception – we all take knocks in life. Yet the best things in life often come through our persistence.
Perhaps, you’ve just had another delay or setback chasing your dreams. Perhaps, someone you care about has rejected you. Perhaps, you are presently facing a tragedy, or you’re just feeling drained from the ups and downs of this journey we call life. Just remember that things can turn around in an instant.
In a few days, I will be 58 years old. I thank God for that because not very many are blessed to reach that age. Here is one thing I have learned in those years — keep moving forward, even when it feels like it would be easier to just lay down and give up.
Whoever you are, your life has a piece of good news. The good news is you are a precious beloved child of God. That is the simple truth. Any words from people, any thoughts that tell you the opposite is a simple lie. God loves you very dearly.
The good news too, is that we all have the capacity to love. There are a lot of people who need encouragement. Look for them. Take the time and share that love to others.
I mentioned persistence a while ago because it is so easy to get tired and lose hope. It is so easy to get too familiar with people and lose respect for them. We are bombarded with all kinds of bad news of global terror that is coming closer to us. We all saw what happened in Paris, Lebanon, Nigeria and as I am still writing — an ongoing terror in Mali. These news accounts can create a certain apprehension in us and would move us toward thinking about our own personal safety alone and forget that there are a lot of people who are genuinely in need of help.
I say — just keep on loving. Don’t let evil win over good. Be persistent with doing good and encouraging others especially those who may have failed, feel hopeless or are afraid. A minute of encouragement after failure is so much more valuable than an hour of praise after a success.
Encourage someone today.