BE ENCOURAGED

BE ENCOURAGED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 13:11

Key Verse: “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” — 2 Corinthians 13:11

Supporting Texts: Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 27:14; Psalm 31:24; John 14:1; Romans 15:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24-25; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Description: Biblical encouragement gives believers courage, hope, strength, and confidence to continue trusting God despite difficulties and opposition.

INTRODUCTION

Paul's closing words to the Corinthians contain the simple but powerful instruction, “Be of good comfort.” This is a call to receive encouragement and courage from God rather than allowing difficulties, failures, opposition, or uncertainty to destroy our confidence in Him.

Every believer will experience moments when the heart becomes tired and the journey becomes difficult. There are seasons when prayers seem delayed, doors appear closed, and circumstances create questions in the mind. In such moments, God does not want His children to surrender to discouragement; He calls us to remember His presence, His promises, and His faithfulness.

To be encouraged does not mean that there are no problems. It means that we have discovered a greater reason to continue despite the problems. God can strengthen a discouraged heart, renew a weary spirit, restore lost hope, and give courage to continue until His purpose is fulfilled.

1. REMEMBER THAT GOD IS WITH YOU

One of the greatest sources of encouragement is the assurance of God's presence.

a. Do Not Fear Because God Is With You (Isaiah 41:10) — God's presence gives strength, help, and assurance even in threatening circumstances.

b. God Will Never Leave You (Hebrews 13:5) — The believer can face uncertainty with confidence because God's presence is not dependent on circumstances.

c. God's Presence Gives Courage (Joshua 1:9) — Joshua was commanded to be strong and courageous because the Lord would be with him wherever he went.

d. God Is Our Refuge And Strength (Psalm 46:1) — When trouble comes, God remains a present help and a secure refuge.

Biblical Example: When Joshua succeeded Moses, God repeatedly assured him of His presence and commanded him to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:5-9).

2. REMEMBER GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

Past experiences of God's faithfulness can strengthen us when present circumstances become difficult.

a. Remember God's Benefits (Psalm 103:2) — We should not forget the blessings and mercies God has already shown us.

b. God's Mercies Are New Every Morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) — Every new day provides fresh evidence that God's compassion and faithfulness have not failed.

c. God Remains Faithful In Difficult Times (2 Timothy 2:13) — Even when human strength fails, God's character and faithfulness remain unchanged.

d. Remember What God Has Done (Psalm 77:11-12) — Recalling God's previous works can strengthen faith during seasons of uncertainty.

Biblical Example: David remembered God's past deliverances when facing Goliath and confidently trusted that the same God who had delivered him from danger would help him again (1 Samuel 17:32-37).

3. LET GOD'S WORD ENCOURAGE YOU

The Word of God provides strength and hope when emotions and circumstances become unstable.

a. Scripture Gives Hope (Romans 15:4) — The things written in Scripture provide patience, comfort, and hope.

b. God's Promises Strengthen Faith (Hebrews 10:23) — We can hold firmly to our confession because the One who promised is faithful.

c. God's Word Gives Direction (Psalm 119:105) — Scripture provides light when the path ahead appears uncertain.

d. Meditate On God's Word (Joshua 1:8) — Continual meditation on Scripture helps establish courage, wisdom, and obedience.

Biblical Example: Jeremiah found God's Word to be a source of strength even when he faced rejection and persecution (Jeremiah 20:7-9).

4. DO NOT ALLOW TRIALS TO BREAK YOU

Trials may test you, but they do not have to destroy you.

a. You May Be Troubled But Not Destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) — Paul described believers as pressed and perplexed but not forsaken or destroyed.

b. Trials Can Produce Endurance (James 1:2-4) — Testing develops patience and contributes to spiritual maturity.

c. God Can Turn Trials Into Testimonies (Romans 8:28) — God is able to work through circumstances to accomplish His purposes for those who love Him.

d. Your Present Trouble Is Temporary (2 Corinthians 4:17) — Present affliction cannot be compared with the eternal glory God is preparing.

Biblical Example: Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, but God remained with him and eventually turned his difficult journey into a testimony (Genesis 39:21-23; 41:39-41).

5. ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN THE LORD

There are moments when you must deliberately strengthen your own faith instead of waiting for someone else to encourage you.

a. Strengthen Yourself In God (1 Samuel 30:6) — David encouraged himself in the Lord when everyone around him was distressed.

b. Speak Faith To Your Heart (Psalm 42:5) — The psalmist questioned his discouraged soul and deliberately redirected it toward hope in God.

c. Praise God In Difficult Moments (Habakkuk 3:17-18) — Habakkuk chose to rejoice in God even when his circumstances were extremely difficult.

d. Wait On The Lord (Psalm 27:14) — Waiting on God requires courage, but those who wait receive strength to continue.

Biblical Example: David encouraged himself in the Lord after Ziklag was attacked and then sought God's direction for his next step (1 Samuel 30:6-8).

6. RECEIVE ENCOURAGEMENT FROM OTHER BELIEVERS

God often uses people to strengthen us when we are weak.

a. Encourage One Another (1 Thessalonians 5:11) — Believers are instructed to comfort and build one another up.

b. Do Not Isolate Yourself (Hebrews 10:24-25) — Christian fellowship provides opportunities for encouragement, exhortation, and spiritual strengthening.

c. Speak Words That Build (Ephesians 4:29) — Our words should minister grace to those who hear us.

d. Bear One Another's Burdens (Galatians 6:2) — Christians are called to help one another through difficult seasons.

Biblical Example: Jonathan strengthened David in God when David was under pressure from Saul (1 Samuel 23:16-18).

7. KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS

Jesus is the ultimate source and example of perseverance.

a. Look Unto Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) — Fixing our eyes on Christ helps us endure difficulties without losing heart.

b. Remember His Suffering (Hebrews 12:3) — Considering what Christ endured helps prevent us from becoming weary and discouraged.

c. Trust His Peace (John 14:27) — Jesus gives a peace that is different from the temporary peace offered by the world.

d. Follow His Example (1 Peter 2:21) — Christ's endurance provides believers with an example of faithful perseverance.

Biblical Example: Jesus endured the cross because He looked beyond His suffering to the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12:2-3).

8. BECOME AN ENCOURAGER TO OTHERS

God does not encourage us only for our own benefit. He also wants us to become sources of encouragement to others.

a. Comfort Others With God's Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:4) — The comfort we receive from God equips us to comfort people who are facing difficulties.

b. Strengthen The Weak (Isaiah 35:3-4) — God's people are called to strengthen weak hands and encourage fearful hearts.

c. Speak Hope To The Discouraged (Proverbs 12:25) — A good word can lift a burdened heart.

d. Build Others Up Through Your Testimony (Psalm 66:16) — Sharing what God has done can strengthen the faith of others.

Biblical Example: Barnabas was known as a son of encouragement and strengthened the believers at Antioch, helping many remain faithful to the Lord (Acts 11:22-24).

CONCLUSION

Be encouraged because your present circumstances do not determine your future. God is with you, His promises remain true, His Word still stands, and His grace is sufficient for every season. The difficulties you are facing today cannot cancel God's purpose for your life.

Therefore, refuse to surrender to discouragement. Strengthen yourself in the Lord, remember His faithfulness, surround yourself with godly people, and keep your eyes on Jesus. The God who has brought you this far will continue to sustain you. Take courage, rise again, keep moving forward, and remain faithful until you see the fulfilment of God's purpose.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, strengthen my heart and deliver me from every form of discouragement, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, let the assurance of Your presence give me courage in every difficult situation, in Jesus name.

3. Father, help me to remember Your faithfulness whenever I face challenges, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, let Your Word renew my hope and strengthen my faith, in Jesus name.

5. Father, give me grace to overcome every trial without losing my confidence in You, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, help me to encourage myself in You whenever I feel weak or discouraged, in Jesus name.

7. Father, surround me with godly people who will strengthen and encourage me, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, help me to keep my eyes on Jesus and remain faithful through every season, in Jesus name.

9. Father, make me a source of encouragement, comfort, and strength to those around me, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, restore every area of my life where discouragement has weakened my faith, and give me renewed strength to continue, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall not be overcome by discouragement or despair.

2. The presence of God shall strengthen you in every difficult season.

3. Every voice telling you to give up shall be silenced.

4. Your faith shall become stronger through every trial you encounter.

5. The Word of God shall continually give you hope, direction, and courage.

6. Every area of your life that has become weak shall receive divine strength.

7. God shall surround you with people who will encourage, support, and strengthen you.

8. You shall rise again from every setback and continue moving forward.

9. Your present difficulties shall not cancel God's purpose for your life.

10. You shall remain strong in the Lord, finish your journey faithfully, and fulfil God's purpose for your life.