Casandra Martin

“Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain.” ~Author Unknown

Discouragement is a quiet enemy. Fear can roar. Worry can strangle, but discouragement erodes. Its power isn’t in its speed or ferocity, but in its silent, consistent attack on our hearts. The dictionary tells us that to discourage someone means to “deprive of courage, hope, or confidence.” Discouragement eats away at our courage to face tomorrow, our hope that things can and will be brighter, and our confidence in both ourselves and our God.

Discouragement can sneak up on us. During times that require patience, call us to wait, or necessitate taking a long view, discouragement can slip in and wear away at our faith. It strips away our courage, leaving us feeling vulnerable and alone. Our burdens seem a little heavier as discouragement colors our perspective and casts shadows on our hope.

God knew we would be discouraged. He knew that it would be hard to wait, difficult to be patient, and tough to trust His timing. That is why over and over again in Scripture we hear His command to encourage one another. He reminds us that together we are stronger, have more courage, and can face the day better than we can alone. When we are encouragers, we infuse someone with the courage that they need to look like Jesus in their circumstances.

My Jesus Resolution today is to encourage someone. Everyone struggles with discouragement. I know I do. So do you. I try to shake it off, but sometimes it has a way of tenaciously clinging to my heart. An encourager doesn’t judge me for my discouragement, but rather steps alongside and helps carry my burden. In sharing their presence, prayers, and perspective they empower me to take the next step and face the next day. I want to be an encourager for someone today, reminding them that Jesus is here, Jesus will help, and Jesus has a plan unfolding just around the corner.