DEUTERONOMY 1:37-38

The LORD was also angry with me [Moses] for your sakes, saying, "Even you shall not go in
there; but Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall go in there. Encourage
him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it."
Francois Arago, a 19 th century French astronomer, attributed his success to words he found
written on the paper cover of his book at a time 'when he was greatly discouraged.
These words, written by French mathematician and philosopher Jean d'Alembert, were, "Go on,
sir; go on! The difficulties you meet will resolve themselves as you advance. Proceed, and light
will dawn and shine with increased clearness on your path." Following these simple words made
Arago the first astronomical mathematician of his age.
God knew that Joshua would need encouraging words as well. Moses had become so
discouraged with the grumbling people that he himself sinned against the Lord and lost his
opportunity to enter the Promised Land (Num. 20:8-20).
Therefore, God instructed Moses to challenge all the people to encourage his young understudy.
If Joshua were to fulfill his mission, the monumental task of leading Israel into the land of
Canaan, the people needed to support him with their encouragement.
You and I are much the same. We need encouragement, too, whether we're a leader or a
follower. George M. Adams observed that "encouragement is oxygen to the soul." If we plan to
go on living, we need oxygen; if we plan to go on serving the Lord, we need encouragement.
Do you have the gift of encouragement? Whom can you comfort today? What simple word can
you say that will go a long way in motivating your friends or family? Make it your ministry to
lift the spirits of those around you so that they can serve the Lord more effectively.
.
IF YOU WANT TO BE ENCOURAGED, ENCOURAGE SOMEONE ELSE.
WOODROW KROLL
www.backtothebible.in