Words of Encouragement, Part 3

I continue to sense the need to speak encouragement to those who are facing the challenging days of life. Life has a way of placing things in our path that will either cause our faith to "fold up or hold up." It is during those moments in which we turn our hearts to God and allow Him to place His strength within us. No one of us can truly face the challenges of life alone; we need the presence of the Savior to stand with us and to abide in us as we travel the road of discouragement. I sincerely believe that all of us will face the challenge of discouragement at some point on our journey. But Christ has given to us the ability to respond in the appropriate manner to the challenge so that we can become the victor and not the victim. Discouragement can appear in many forms to all of us. Discouragement can appear from physical weariness, emotional strain, mental taxation or stress, the strife and hurt of broken relationships, or even the struggle with spiritual apathy or unconcern. We must realize that the enemy has a planned strategy for our demise or defeat and he will use whatever is available to overthrow our faith. But in the midst of the enemy's strategy we can find the power and might of the Holy Spirit. The Lord is ALWAYS present to meet the needs that we are facing. We just have to be willing to turn our faith toward Him with renewed fervor and desire. The Word of God will offer encouragement; the Word of God will provide comfort, hope, and strength. Each of us need to remember to turn to the Lord every day and walk in the knowledge of His great love for us. A line from a worship chorus declares; "Oh, how He loves us." Remember that God loves you when the challenges of life arise. Be encouraged today through the promise of His great love for you!