Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, at 29,029 feet. With the first successful ascent by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, the feat has been celebrated as one of the most important accomplishments by mankind. Since that time, many others have reached the icy summit with the help of bottled oxygen. In fact, climbers began using oxygen on the mountain as early as 1922. When each step is a life-or-death struggle, a simple breath of fresh air can put just enough spring in a step to continue even the most difficult of tasks.
Oxygen to an extreme mountain climber is like encouragement to a believer. Each of us are faced with obstacles of seemingly epic proportions at times in our Christian walks. A well-placed comment or pat on the back from a fellow believer can sometimes be the difference between success and failure. All of us in the midst of struggle continuously question whether the task is too arduous and we should turn back. When that inner argument is taking place, a little encouragement can push us to the decision to continue in the task. Jesus, always the reflection of every godly behavior, gave us a great example of encouragement when He said:
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Without enduring a similar hardship, even the most encouraging words can fall upon deaf ears. Yet all of us know the hardship that Jesus endured for our behalves on the cross. Because He overcame, He will carry us through any trial or tribulation in our paths, as well. Another man in the Bible known for his encouraging nature was Barnabas. Even his name means “son of encouragement.” When the disciples of Jesus were in their most trying circumstance, after their Savior had been crucified, Barnabas brought Saul of Tarsus to meet them. Untrusting of the man who had formerly persecuted Christians, they were unwilling to meet with him until Barnabas encouraged them in the message Saul would bring.
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
Acts 9:27
Saul had seen Jesus and spoke with Jesus! For those who could not believe without seeing, like Thomas, the words lifted their spirits, enabling the disciples to proceed with the ministry. Another mention of Barnabas also tells us much:
6 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.
Acts 13:6-8
Barnabas and Saul were sought when people wanted to hear God’s Word! Encouragement often can be an uplifting comment. “Hang in there; you’re going to make it.” Yet for those of us who seek the Lord, the most encouraging remark can be a well-placed verse from the Bible. What man says can be uplifting, yet what God says can save lives! Each of us has times when we need encouragement, and additionally, times when we can be an encouragement to those God places in our paths. Encouragement is a matter of the heart, both giving and receiving. Take heart!
Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
1 Thessalonians 3:1-4
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