"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior . . . " --- Isaiah 43:2-3
One of the greatest plagues of our times is discouragement and depression. It seems like these maladies afflict all the Hollywood stars, nationally known athletes, and many others of the "rich and famous." Of course, all of us of the "not-rich and little known" are susceptible to discouragement, also! Nothing will paralyze a life or throw cold water on a great dream like the dark cloud of discouragement!
All of us have things to accomplish . . . even this week. Most of us occasionally have a good idea, and some of us even have a really brilliant idea once in awhile. The key to success often is someone who believes in the "idea person" and takes time to give a positive stroke.
Young Henry Ford had an idea for an engine for the fledgling automobile, but it seemed no one believed in him. Prevailing wisdom at the time said the automobile would likely be powered by an electric engine invented by the famous Thomas Edison. Discouraged and on the brink of quitting, Ford attended a dinner party and described his idea to a nearby person at the table. Edison was also sitting at the table. When he overheard Ford's plans, he banged the table and shouted, "That's it --- that's the engine that will work!!"
Years later, Ford said it was Edison's bang on the table and words that propelled his automobile empire. All it took at his lowest moment was a few words of encouragement to keep him going to the final success.
What about you and me? Can we be the people God would use this week to bring encouragement to someone who needs it desperately? Could we give a pat on the back of someone who just needs a few kind words, a prayer, or the reassurance that we believe in them? God knows the human need for encouragement!
The Psalmist said, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because You are with me!" (Psalm 23:4)
"Correction does much, but encouragement does more. Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower. "--- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Make sure this week that you find someone each day who needs your encouragement. Spur them along life's way. Remind them that God stands by to be their help and strength. You may just find out that by encouraging someone else, you are enriched, too!
God bless you as you practice what you know!
One of the greatest plagues of our times is discouragement and depression. It seems like these maladies afflict all the Hollywood stars, nationally known athletes, and many others of the "rich and famous." Of course, all of us of the "not-rich and little known" are susceptible to discouragement, also! Nothing will paralyze a life or throw cold water on a great dream like the dark cloud of discouragement!
All of us have things to accomplish . . . even this week. Most of us occasionally have a good idea, and some of us even have a really brilliant idea once in awhile. The key to success often is someone who believes in the "idea person" and takes time to give a positive stroke.
Young Henry Ford had an idea for an engine for the fledgling automobile, but it seemed no one believed in him. Prevailing wisdom at the time said the automobile would likely be powered by an electric engine invented by the famous Thomas Edison. Discouraged and on the brink of quitting, Ford attended a dinner party and described his idea to a nearby person at the table. Edison was also sitting at the table. When he overheard Ford's plans, he banged the table and shouted, "That's it --- that's the engine that will work!!"
Years later, Ford said it was Edison's bang on the table and words that propelled his automobile empire. All it took at his lowest moment was a few words of encouragement to keep him going to the final success.
What about you and me? Can we be the people God would use this week to bring encouragement to someone who needs it desperately? Could we give a pat on the back of someone who just needs a few kind words, a prayer, or the reassurance that we believe in them? God knows the human need for encouragement!
The Psalmist said, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because You are with me!" (Psalm 23:4)
"Correction does much, but encouragement does more. Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower. "--- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Make sure this week that you find someone each day who needs your encouragement. Spur them along life's way. Remind them that God stands by to be their help and strength. You may just find out that by encouraging someone else, you are enriched, too!
God bless you as you practice what you know!
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