Eternal Encouragement

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thes 2:16-17

One leaden foot after the other, she plodded up the marathon’s grueling route, sweat rolling off a beyond-weary body. At mile 21 her gait had worn to a forward stumble. She wanted to quit. At the top of the hill was a tiny cheer-squad—two friends and her mom. In the space of three-and-a-half seconds, she jogged past their enthusiastic shouts. Images of sympathy, love, and goodwill were flash-imprinted on her memory. The joy she carried from the checkpoint swept tears down her cheeks. The echo of voices that believed in her overrode fatigue. Her legs found new motive and the last five miles went down in strength and grace.

A little encouragement can make the impossible doable. In the verses above Paul, Silas, and Timothy hale as we run past. “Hey runner, God says to be encouraged by His grace.” They trot alongside to add a few clarifying shouts. “If grace means His Son was sacrificed on your behalf, you must know He is also willing to bring you to paradise.” Falling back they holler, “He loves you and will strengthen you for every good deed and word.” From far behind we hear, “So go for it!”

Further along the course we now see Jesus jumping and rooting. “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance… You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Only hold on to what you have until I come” (Rev 2:1-3; 2:25).

We have come so far, we cannot give up. Countless disciples—even Jesus Himself—are all watching and they believe in us. Get new energy. Keep going. Finish strong.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I hear Your enthusiasm. Please keep cheering.