This is my 17th weekly Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute since January. I trust it has been an encouragement to you! I close every talk with the words "Be encouraged!" Those two words were spoken to me often by my late mother, Gaynell Hudson. As a matter fact, if you had any relationship with her you probably heard those same two words from her.

 

Encouragement is a major theme in the Bible.  The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

 

We find these words in the book of Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

 

We are all presented with a package labeled "Discouragement."  Let me encourage you to neither accept nor sign for that package. The reason God made encouragement a command is because He knew no one can be encouraged and avoid discouragement by oneself. That’s why we read in Joshua that God promised, “The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 

Whatever God requires, He provides. It always seemed to me kind of unreasonable that God would ask me to do something that I cannot do. The good news is: Included with the command to be courageous, strong, and to not be discouraged, is God’s plan to partner with you in helping you to be courageous and strong.

 

Maya Angelou wrote:

 

 

Because you are never alone, I again say to you, Be Encouraged!