Mission Venture Ministries

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus. (Romans 15:4-5) 

Perseverance is the determination to keep going and not give up. When we look carefully at verse 5, we see that it is God Himself who gives us that determination. 

The Spirit of God encourages us with the Word of God and Psalm 119:68 tells us that the Lord is good. He’s not only good in character and the giver of good things, but He’s also the one who determines what is good. He knows what’s best for us at each point in our life and can guide us wisely in every situation. 

The Lord doesn’t want us to be anxious but to come to Him with every concern (Philippians 4:6) and His Sprit comforts us as we pray. We need to remember that none of our problems is bigger than our omniscient, omnipotent God, and nothing is too small, worldly, or ordinary for Him to get involved and reveal His love. 

Without encouragement, hardship becomes meaningless, and our will to go on wanes. The prophet Elijah struggled with discouragement (1 Kings 19:3-10), and so do we. It is important to remember that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against . . . the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). This truth makes encouragement all the more important. It is not just that we face the world’s displeasure; we are caught in the center of a spiritual battle. When we are encouraged in Christ, we have strength to put on our spiritual armor and remain steadfast (Ephesians 6:10-18). 

Encouragement makes it easier to live in a fallen world in a holy way, it makes it easier to love as Jesus loved (John 13:34-35). Encouragement gives hope (Romans 15:4) and helps us through times of discipline and testing (Hebrews 12:5). Encouragement nurtures patience and kindness (1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Galatians 5:22-26) and makes it easier to sacrifice our own desires for the advancement of God’s kingdom. In short, encouragement makes it easier to live the Christian life. 

Without encouragement, we can be overwhelmed by the very real pains and our life would soon feel pointless and burdensome. Without encouragement, we feel unloved. Therefore, the Bible tells us to encourage one another, to remind each other of the truth that God loves us, that God equips us, that we are treasured. 

Finally, the Holy Spirit will help you to notice God’s daily blessings. Discouragement keeps us from seeing all the good He provides. But when we consider His endless gifts, our attitude is transformed. Sometimes we need to take our focus away from the troubles of life and shift it to the awesome creation that surrounds us. The wonder of the seasons, for example or the perfect order of the universe will always remind us that God is great and He has everything under control. So, actively look for Him and His comfort, and you’ll recognize His love, mercy, and goodness in every situation. 

Remember that at some point, discouragement comes to everyone; through bad news, worldly sorrows, or distressing circumstances. In those moments we can choose to lean on our kind and patient heavenly Father, who sees our struggle. He will never leave us to cope on our own; instead, He comforts and strengthens us through the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus said: “Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful” (John 14:27). God’s peace is mysterious, remarkable, and effective. It holds us together in a way that nothing else can. Therefore, be encouraged because God is always by our side ready to help us through any situation we are facing since “the Lord is the one who is going ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. Do not fear and do not be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

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