In 1925, Langston Hughes, an aspiring writer working as a busboy at a hotel, discovered that a poet he admired (Vachel Lindsey) was staying there as a guest. Hughes shyly slipped Lindsey some of his own poetry, which Lindsey later praised enthusiastically at a public reading. Lindseyās encouragement resulted in Hughes receiving a university scholarship, furthering him on his way to his own successful writing career.
A little encouragement can go a long way, especially when God is in it. Scripture tells of an incident when David was on the run from King Saul, who was trying āto take his life.ā Saulās son Jonathan sought David out āand helped him find strength in God. āDonāt be afraid,ā he said. āMy father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israelā ā (1 Samuel 23:15ā17).
Jonathan was right. David would be king. The key to the effective encouragement Jonathan offered is found in the simple phrase āin Godā (v. 16). Through Jesus, God gives us āeternal encouragement and good hopeā (2 Thessalonians 2:16). As we humble ourselves before Him, He lifts us as no other can.
All around us are people who need the encouragement God gives. If we seek them out as Jonathan sought David and gently point them to God through a kind word or action, Heāll do the rest. Regardless of what this life may hold, a bright future in eternity awaits those who trust in Him.
WEARING RED ON FRIDAY
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