We All Need Encouragement

Life is tough. In The Princess Bride, Wesley said, "Life is pain...Anyone who says differently is selling something." Movie quotes aside, I think we can all agree that life on earth isn't easy, and it's far from perfect. At the same time, God is good. Always. 

Life is hard. God is good. 

I think this is why we all need encouragement. 

Encouragement reminds us about God's goodness in specific ways.
Encouragement helps us focus not on the hardships, but on the grace that always exceeds the hardships.
Encouragement extends my vision beyond this moment to the eternal reality that is my hope. 
Encouragement strengthens me to trust God for the beautiful tapestry He is weaving with every thread - happy or painful.
Encouragement helps me hold on to joy in the journey.

Jesus knows our needs, and He is faithful to encourage us in so many ways.

I have a collection of encouraging things I've read or that people have sent to me. Sometimes I just  sit and read through them. It's like deep breathing for my soul. 

Yes, we all need encouragement. We are even commanded in the Bible to "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today’…." -Hebrews 13:13

So, today I want to share something encouraging with you. It's a poem you've probably never read (the English is old style). But the truth in it is timeless. I pray God will use it to encourage you today. 

God bless you my friends!


"God Meant It Unto Good" (Genesis 50:20)

"God meant it unto good"--O blest assurance,
Falling like sunshine all across life's way,
Touching with Heaven's gold earth's darkest storm clouds,
Bringing fresh peace and comfort day by day.

'Twas not by chance the hands of faithless brethren
Sold Joseph captive to a foreign land;
Nor was it chance which, after years of suffering, 
Brought him before the monarch's throne to stand.

One Eye all-seeing saw the need of thousands,
And planned to meet it through that one lone soul; 
And through the weary days of prison bondage 
Was working towards the great and glorious goal.

As yet the end was hidden from the captive, 
The iron entered even to his soul; 
His eye could scan the present path of sorrow, 
Not yet his gaze might rest upon the whole.

Faith failed not through those long, dark days of waiting, 
His trust in God was recompensed at last, 
The moment came when God led forth his servant 
To succor many, all his sufferings past.

"It was not you but God, that sent me hither," 
Witnessed triumphant faith in after days; 
"God meant it unto good," no "second causes" 
Mingled their discord with his song of praise.

"God means it unto good" for thee, beloved, 
The God of Joseph is the same today; 
His love permits afflictions strange and bitter, 
His hand is guiding through the unknown way.

Thy Lord, who sees the end from the beginning, 
Hath purposes for thee of love untold. 
Then place thy hand in His and follow fearless, 
Till thou the riches of His grace behold.

There, when thou standest in the Home of Glory, 
And all life's path lies open to thy gaze, 
Thine eyes shall see the hand which now thou trustiest, 
And magnify His love through endless days.

-Freda Hanbury Allen


How has God encouraged you lately?