Encouragement: The Fuel of Hopeनमुना

What is Encouragement?

So, what is encouragement?

I am reminded of one of the great marathon races in the 1984 Olympics. It was not the winner that captured the imagination of the crowds, but the runner from Switzerland, Gabriela Andersen-Schiess. After 42 grueling kilometers on a hot and humid day, she finally entered the stadium. Her last lap was a series of unsteady, staggering steps, moving like a drunk, suffering from heat exhaustion and literally running on fumes.

But the crowd sensed they were seeing something quite remarkable. They stood as one and cheered her on, willing her every unsteady step, clapping and cheering until she finally collapsed across the finish line in 37th place. She may not have won the race, but the encouragement of the crowd won her a place in history. It was encouragement that gave her the energy to overcome insurmountable obstacles to finish the race.

This is encouragement. This ability of others to lift those who are in need or who are beaten down by life so that they can continue forwards, overcoming in the face of uncertainty, opposition, and temptation.

Consider the encouragement of the Lord towards sinners who come to Christ in repentance. The scriptures tell us that there is great joy in heaven amongst the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

I can just imagine an innumerable gathering of angels, all clapping and cheering as each sinner turns to Christ. We who have been battered and beaten by sin, but have recognized the need for a Savior are being encouraged in the spirit to find Him who said, “I am the way.”

This is encouragement. And the Lord provides us with encouragement throughout our journey with Him. As we walk in the ways of the Lord we find encouragement in His words of Grace that are given to build us up.

Just like a marathon race, this walk we follow in Jesus Christ is not an easy walk. We are told that the way is hard that leads to life. It is a hard walk because when we come to Christ, we stand opposed to the evil ways of this world.

But we need not fear. Instead we should take courage and be encouraged for Christ has already overcome the world and won the victory for us. In His sacrifice He paid the debt of sin so that we could stand in the presence of God as new creations. And God has promised that when we come to Him and seize the hope set before us, He will deliver.

This is encouragement.

Call to action:

Be encouraged by the example of others. Meet together with the people of God to encourage and be encouraged. And seek the encouragement of the Lord in prayer as you go about your day.