“Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances.”
Proverbs 25:11
While I was in my staff meeting today, a gentleman shared a devotional on encouragement. His stories of how he was encouraged and his connection to Scripture prompted me to write a brief testimony about encouragement and a word of encouragement.
A Brief Testimony About Encouragement.
When I was in high school, a football coach spoke a word of encouragement to me at just the right time. It helped me refocus my thinking from one way to another. Not only that, but it freed me to play naturally in my particular football position. One or two sentences of encouragement went a long way. In fact, he continued to be an encouragement and made such an impact on me that when he passed away, I drove to his funeral and, being allowed to share at his graveside, conveyed the impact he had made on my life.
I am years away from the football field, but I still need encouragement. Can you relate?
A Word of Encouragement.
Words have the power to build up or destroy. They have the power to mend or tear. Indeed, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21).
Brother or sister in Christ…
God is for you. He is with you. In your doubt. In your struggle. In your success. On the mountain top of delight and in the valley of despair, He is with you. He loves you. He calls you His friend. He is working all things together for your good. He is completely sovereign over every aspect of your life. He cares more about your sanctification than even you do. He cloaks you in His righteousness, calling you His own. He invites you to take His hand, walk with Him, and learn of His ways. He loves those you love more than you love them. He cares for His creation and satisfies all things. He knows all things, and gently leads even the nursing ewes to life-giving sustenance. His presence is the calm amidst any storm. And His gaze drowns out the distractions of life. He will never let His own slip out of His hand. He will keep them until the end. He is a good Father, and supplies all good things to His beloved.
Rest in His love.
Amen.
— October 30, 2025