Hebrews 3:12-13 (NIV)
12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
We are told to encourage one another. Why? Do you think people need encouragement? I do! In fact, that is why I began writing Encouragement Daily. Our world is a dark place. The adversary goes around causing confusion and doubt everywhere he can. He tries to distract us from all the good things that God intends for us. That distraction leads to separation from God. That separation is called sin.
The world constantly hammers us with negative thoughts saying we cannot do things. If we listen to the negative voices, we will be held back from the destiny God has planned for us. What we believe will affect any outcome we may have. Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, either way you are right. I have worked with foster children and youth groups and seen this in real life. One young man says “I cannot do this.” He clouds up and frustration abounds to where he is ready to throw things away. We need a time out to chase away the negative mindset.
How can you chase away the negativity? With our young man, I know he can do it because he has done it before. But he focuses on his failures rather than his successes. First, hugs and consolation are in order. That is the beginning of the time out. We remind him of our love for him first. Sometimes, a little tickling is involved to change the mood. A child’s laughter cheers any room. Then, we check the history. Have you ever done this before? How did it come out? So you were able to do it then? “You helped me.” He says. Don’t you think I would help you again? If you did it before, why would you think you cannot do it again? We are all just children of all ages. We think we cannot do something. We get scared. We withdraw. God, our Father, has to ask the same questions. “But you helped me.” we say. Then why wouldn’t God help us again. All we need do is ask. Do you ask God for help? Do you listen for His answer or do you try to go it on your own? Going alone is never fun. Sometimes, God puts other people in your life to help you with things as well. Sometimes you just need encouragement. That is true for others. They may need a kind word from you.
Today, encourage one another. That way, you will overcome the schemes of the adversary that are trying to discourage you. Discourage means without courage. You have courage. It was built into you. Don’t let doubt separate you from your destiny. And don’t let doubt happen to your friends. Encourage them. Encourage each other today!
Lord, thank You that You have given us everything we need to become who You designed us to be. We are Your children and we get scared. Comfort us on the road and let us walk with You! In Your name we pray.