You wake up each day and go to work or go to school. The day may seem long and gruesome. It may be, that no matter where you turn, there seems to be one obstacle after another. You feel as though you cannot keep your head above the stresses and demands you face each day.
Much of those feelings stem from facing life with the proper perspective. You have no control over the circumstances of your day, but you do have control over how you respond to the daily events. Dale Carnegie was a motivational speaker of the last century who knew how to help others with daily relationships and how to get the most out of each day. Among his many tidbits of advice, he said, “It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. For example, two people may be in the same place, doing the same thing; both may have an equal amount of money and prestige—and yet one may be miserable and the other happy. Why? Because of different mental attitudes.” Yes, your view of life is more important than the events that happen in your daily life.
Since this is true, how are you to respond to minister best to those around you? Paul and Barnabas were on a missionary journey visiting churches where they previously preached the gospel. It is interesting to note the message they preached to those cities, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith” (Acts 14:22). Yes, they knew what those they ministered to, as well as what you need, is a good shot in the arm of “encouragement.”
That help you need for daily survival is a good dose of encouragement. Let Jesus give you the encouragement you need. Do that right now!
