God Wants to Encourage Us

Bible Reading: Psalm 34:18; Philippians 4:6-7

Amanda ran out the school doors and jumped into Dad’s car. “Okay, I think it will be all right.”

Dad gave her a sideways look. “You think what will be all right?”

“I didn’t do so well on my math quiz.” Amanda stared out the window.

“But after class, my teacher explained the material to me again—and I can

retake the quiz. She was really encouraging. But I still feel dumb.”

“Because you failed once?” Dad shook his head. “That doesn’t make you dumb, Amanda. Sounds like you need more encouraging.”

Amanda sighed. “Name me one smart person who failed miserably.”

“Thomas Edison,” Dad said.

“The inventor?”

“Yes. He lived over a hundred years ago and invented many things, including the light bulb. He was one of the greatest inventors of all time, but even he didn’t get things right the first time. In fact, he finally invented the light bulb after one thousand failed attempts.”

“A brilliant person who failed,” Amanda said. “That really is encouraging.”

Dad nodded. “If you think my encouragement is good, God’s is better.”

“How?” asked Amanda.

“Well, He’s God,” Dad said, “so no matter what time of day or night it is, He’s always listening.”

Amanda smiled. “Knowing He listens is encouraging.”

“Right. He encourages us in many ways. How else does God encourage?”

Amanda thought it over. “He encourages us when we read His Word—and when we pray.”

“He sure does,” Dad said. “He reminds us that He always loves us, even when we fail, and that He uses our failures to help us grow. Can you name one more?”

“Does God use people to encourage us?” Amanda asked.

“Yes! He used your teacher to encourage you,” Dad said.

Amanda looked at Dad. “Yeah, He really did—and He’s using you too.”

“When we tell Him our troubles, He gives us the encouragement we need,” Dad said. “Jesus loves us and is always there to encourage us—no matter how many times we fail.”

Amanda grinned. “Let’s hope I don’t have to retake this quiz a thousand times for Him to prove it!” Matt Shoemaker

How About You?

Do you need some encouragement right now? God encourages us like no one else can. His encouragement comes with the peace of knowing He is in control and will help you through your problem. He’ll remind you that His love for you does not rest on whether you succeed or fail. Tell Him your problem, and He will listen and encourage you.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Peter 5:7 [Cast] all your cares on him, because he cares about you. (CSB)

Today’s Key Thought:

Tell God your troubles—He’ll listen