Question 1

When should I seek encouragement?

Accepted Answer

Numbers 13:30Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!”2 Chronicles 20:12“O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”Matthew 9:36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused . . .When we stand at life’s crossroads or when we are in distress, encouragement can point us in the right direction.Isaiah 35:3With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees.When we are tired and weak, encouragement can give us rest and strength to continue.Isaiah 40:31Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.When we feel life’s challenges are stronger than we are, you need encouragement from God, who is more than strong enough to tackle our problems.2 Chronicles 35:2Josiah also assigned the priests to their duties and encouraged them in their work at the Temple of the Lord.When God has a job for us to do, we may feel overwhelmed and need encouragement from other believers.Deuteronomy 3:28“Commission Joshua and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them all the land you now see before you as their possession.”New leaders benefit from a mentor’s encouragement, and passing down authority is one of leadership’s greatest responsibilities.Titus 2:6Encourage the young men to live wisely.As we move through life’s stages, we should seek encouragement and accountability in building godly habits.

Question 2

How does God encourage me?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 9:22Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.God heals our wounds and renews our faith.Matthew 9:2Some people brought to him [Jesus] a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”Some people have serious physical problems—maybe it’s cancer or Alzheimer’s or perhaps a crippled leg or chronic back pain. Everyone has a serious spiritual problem—sin. At times God chooses to miraculously heal a person’s physical problem, and that is a great encouragement. But the healing is temporary because that person will still die someday. Sin is killing us all. What we need is healing that is permanent, that will last forever. Faith in Jesus heals our souls, restoring them to the permanent condition of being perfect in God’s eyes. Faith in Jesus makes us well for eternity, and that is the greatest encouragement of all.1 Kings 19:4-8Then he [Elijah] went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.God knows we need food, water, sleep, and rest. He made us that way. God meets our needs so that we can continue to do good work for him.Psalm 138:3As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.God responds when we talk to him and gives us strength when we are weak.Psalm 119:25, 28I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. . . . I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.Romans 15:4Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.God revives your hope as we read his written Word.Hebrews 12:5Have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.”God disciplines us because he cares about us. We should be encouraged that he loves us enough to correct us and keep us on the best path for our lives.

Question 3

How can I be an encouragement to others?

Accepted Answer

1 Samuel 23:16Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.We should seek out those who need encouragement, especially our friends. We can come alongside them and encourage them that God is alongside them, too. We can remind them of how God has been faithful.Ephesians 4:29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.We should always try to find something encouraging and helpful to say to whomever God puts before us.1 Thessalonians 5:14Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.Titus 1:9He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.We can encourage others in their walk with Christ through what God has taught us in his Word.Proverbs 15:30A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.Our demeanor and tone of voice can be an encouragement to those we encounter every day.Ezra 5:1-2The prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. They prophesied in the name of the God of Israel who was over them. Zerubbabel . . . responded by starting again to rebuild the Temple.We can encourage people to take action by serving God in some practical way.Philemon 1:11Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us.We can show others that we trust them to do important tasks or take on new responsibilities.Joshua 24:13“I gave you land you had not worked on, and I gave you towns you did not build—the towns where you are now living. I gave you vineyards and olive groves for food, though you did not plant them.”Joshua was reminding the people of Israel that God had blessed them immensely by giving them the land of Canaan to be their own. We can review God’s past blessings with others as an encouragement that God goes ahead of us and works wonders for us.2 Chronicles 32:8“He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people.Philippians 1:6I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.We can remind others of what God is doing in and through them.Acts 11:23When he [Barnabas] arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord.We should challenge others to hold fast to the principles of faith and to take action with those principles. Encouragement is more than hollow praise. Barnabas is known as a great encourager in the Bible; his name is defined as “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). His encouragement of John Mark helped him persevere into a faithful disciple (Acts 15:36-39; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11).2 Chronicles 30:22Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites regarding the skill they displayed as they served the Lord.We can encourage others by celebrating with them for a job well done.

Question 4

What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?

Accepted Answer

Exodus 20:8-10“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work.”Mark 6:31Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.We may simply need to rest. In our fast-paced, anxious, workaholic culture, we can feel overwhelmed by life easily. God made humans with a need for sleep, food, and water, and he even rested on the seventh day to set an example for us.Leviticus 26:8Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath your sword.Joshua 23:10Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised.We should be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome the giant Goliath. He used Gideon’s three hundred soldiers to defeat the countless thousands of Midianite soldiers. And he used twelve disciples to establish the worldwide church. Knowing that he enjoys working through our weaknesses and limitations can be a great encouragement. We don’t have to be smart or strong or good looking for God to do great things through us.Colossians 1:11-14We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.We should be encouraged that we have been rescued from sin’s control and Satan’s power. No matter what happens to us, God is always with us. Mental health problems, deep interpersonal conflict, overwork, or the death of a loved one are some instances in which even with God’s power working in us, we might not be strong enough to find a solution by ourselves. Sometimes medication is a wise step forward. Sometimes others’ problems are outside our control. Sometimes we will take on more than we can handle. Sometimes, bad things happen to good people, and what happened can’t be changed. In addition to a source of power, prayer is a source of comfort and direction. Prayer may not always calm the storm, but it invites God to come alongside us and guide us through it. We can take comfort that even in the storm, we are always safe with God.

Question 5

How can I handle discouragement?

Accepted Answer

1 Peter 5:8-9Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.Suffering can produce discouragement. When we are discouraged, we are particularly vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. Take special care to stay close to God’s Word and other believers during difficult times.Psalm 73:2-3As for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.We become discouraged when we stop looking at all God has given us and focus on the success of others.2 Chronicles 20:15-17He [the Lord] said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”Focusing on our circumstances instead of God can bring discouragement. The people of Judah could easily have focused on the vast enemy army and not God standing by to destroy it. We should be careful to disconnect our feelings of discouragement from our assurance of God’s love for us. Discouragement can cause us to doubt God’s love, drawing us away from the source of our greatest help. We should realize that God will fight on our behalf as we trust in him. We must stay focused on God.

Question 6

What good can my struggles produce?

Accepted Answer

James 1:2-4Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.Our struggles can strengthen us and help us grow. An athlete’s training may be rigorous and painful, but in the end, the athlete becomes stronger and healthier through it. In the same way, God can turn pain and struggles into spiritual growth, shaping us to become more like him.2 Corinthians 1:5The more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.Our struggles can help us appreciate God’s comfort more. Just as food tastes best when we are hungry, God’s comfort is most vivid when we are struggling.James 1:12God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.1 Peter 5:10-11In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.Suffering lasts for a brief time, but God’s blessing is forever. He not only restores what was lost, but brings new support, strength, and stability to our lives.

Question 7

What makes encouraging others and receiving encouragement easier?

Accepted Answer

James 4:10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.Encouraging those who are humble is easier because they will appreciate and better respond to your affirmation.

Question 8

Why is encouraging those I lead necessary?

Accepted Answer

1 Thessalonians 5:14Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.Leaders can best motivate by encouragement, not embarrassment.Deuteronomy 3:28“Instead, commission Joshua and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them all the land you now see before you as their possession.”Leaders know that those who are struggling need the strength that comes from compassion and encouragement.Hebrews 10:24Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.Encouragement usually inspires people not only to do their best but also to be gracious, loving, and supporting to others.2 Corinthians 13:11Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.Encouragement helps to create a relational environment where God’s Spirit can more easily work among and through us.

Question 9

How do leaders communicate their encouragement?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 3:16-17After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”Matthew 17:5A voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.”Wise leaders will communicate how they value those they lead through open affirmation and encouragement. The most vivid example of this is God’s affirmation of Jesus at Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration.2 Corinthians 13:11Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.Ephesians 4:29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.1 Thessalonians 5:11Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.Words can foster or hinder encouragement. Leaders promote an atmosphere of encouragement by setting a verbal tone that communicates harmony and peace.Colossians 3:16Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.Titus 1:9He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.Our encouragement of others is rooted in the wisdom we find in God’s Word.2 Chronicles 30:22Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites regarding the skill they displayed as they served the Lord. The celebration continued for seven days. Peace offerings were sacrificed, and the people gave thanks to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.We can build one another up by acknowledging another’s quality service to the Lord.Job 29:24When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them.Proverbs 15:30A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.We can encourage one another simply with a joyful spirit.2 Chronicles 32:8“He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people.Leaders encourage by reminding people what God can do, and wants to do, for and through them.Acts 11:23When he [Barnabas] arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord.Barnabas is known as a great encourager in the Bible; according to Acts, his name means “Son of Encouragement” (4:36). Barnabas’ encouragement of John Mark helped him become a great leader in the church. Encouragement is more than hollow praise; it is urging others to hold fast to the principles of faith.Philippians 1:6I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.Encouragement is affirming others and the work God is doing in them and through them.