It’s time to encourage

Have you noticed that many people are suffering from discouragement? This pandemic, the shutdowns, the lockdowns, and social upheavals have taken a bite out of our lives. I’ve got to admit it’s caused stress in my own life, and I’ve had to take drastic measures to adapt, adjust, and change.

Have you battled discouragement? Have you suffered setbacks?

I’ve met so many people who have lost their jobs, savings, and businesses. I’ve known others who could not visit their dying friends or parents in the hospital. Others have been forced to homeschool their children.

The stories of pain, death, loss, and suffering have grown very intense, but I’ve seen another movement at work in our society: Jesus. It seems like Christians are waking up. They are getting more involved in government, politics, justice issues, business, and needs in their communities. It’s quite exciting. Paul the Apostle discovered this same trend in his life and eventually concluded, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NKJV)

I’m writing these words to bring you more courage. I’m (en)couraging you with Bible verses, empathy, and tons of love. It’s very hard to encourage others when you are not encouraged. And it’s even harder when unforgiveness has taken hold of your life.

Forgive others, the government, Christians, unbelievers, and anyone or anything that has hurt you. The Bible reminds us of the prayer of King David: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalms 51:10, NKJV) After you clean up your heart, it can be filled with good and then spilled onto others.

Be filled with courage to plow your way through these difficult days. Yes, they are difficult for many people, but you will find diamonds in dark places. Hand all the frustration, loss, and pain to God and watch Him bring good out of it. God will work all the difficulties for good. His Word affirms it, and it’s up to you to believe it because you are a miracle.

Your friend, Paul Marc Goulet