Who needs encouragement? Who doesn't? No one can receive too much encouragement. In the midst of all the problems of life, you need to know where to find encouragement. God is the source of all encouragement. He sends encouraging words to us through the Bible, ministers, family, and friends. Sometimes a word of encouragement may even come through a note in the mail or maybe an email. God has unlimited ways of encouraging us.
Notice the timing on receiving encouragement. God has a way of getting encouragement to us when we need it most. God encourages us, because He cares. He sends encouragement as a token of His love for us. God delights to encourage you, because He is good. "Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9, NLT).
Never hesitate to ask God to encourage you. That's always His will. When you ask Him, expect your encouragement to come. However, it may well come in a way you would have never expected. God's providence works in all things. God is full of unexpected encouragement for His children.
Ask God to use you to encourage others. God will bring people to mind who need an encouraging word from you. God just may use your encouraging word to change someone's life. Some people seem to be gifted to share an encouraging word with just the right person at the right time. "If your gift is to encourage others, do it!" (Romans 12:8, NLT).
