Numerous people you meet every day are carrying a heavy burden.  Life is hard in multiple ways. People struggle with finances, family, marriage, careers, health, past, failure, sin, and a thousand other possibilities.  Each time we put something new in our emotional bag to carry, it gets more massive, and we begin to lose courage.  Often these issues move people away from God and the hope and light they need. 

As a follower of Jesus, we are called to encourage.  The writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews says, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today…” (Hebrews 3:13 – NIV 2011) When we encounter people who are turning away from God because of some difficulty, we are instructed to offer encouragement.

The English word encouragement is defined as, “To inspire with courage.”  The main idea is that life issues can take away a person’s courage, and they need someone to come and inspire them to continue when it is tough.  We spur them on by offering help and hope.   

The harsh reality is that you are going to spend time this day and this week with people who are floundering through each day without the courage and strength they need.  Jesus followers are to meet these people and offer them the words and actions that will keep their lives moving in the right direction.  Hebrews says it will be a daily job for those who take the work seriously.

Let me encourage you today.  Don’t ever cease being a light in the darkness.  You might be the person God uses to inspire someone else in ways you never imagined.