An Encouragement at Any Age

Children go through developmental milestones such as learning to crawl, pull up, walk and develop language. Some children are early in mastering these objectives while others are late, but in time most children are successful in acquiring these skills. Each stage of life has to be met with resilience to overcome expected frustrations.

While there are major milestones to be experienced and accepted during each stage of life, most obstacles can be overcome. One myth about senior adulthood is that a decline in mental functioning is inevitable. While this is true in some cases, your attitude and willingness to exercise your intellect will keep you sharp as you grow older.

Again, it's your attitude and beliefs that impact your personal joy and satisfaction while acquiring a life worth living. Being an encouragement to others is a rewarding task at any age. Proverbs 16:24 is a reminder that  "Encouragement is like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and healing to the bones.” Why not adopt encouragement as your objective? 

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Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.

~Ecclesiastes 12:1a New International Version

I have created you and cared for you since you were born.

I will be your God through all your lifetime, 
yes, even when your hair is white with age.

I made you and I will care for you. 

I will carry you along and be your Savior.

~Isaiah 46:3-4 The Living Bible

Determined to Overcome Obstacles

Within most everyone resides determination to overcome obstacles that prevent reaching one’s desired objectives. Obstacles, sometimes referred to as “the briar patch effect”, may appear at any moment to test the strength of a person’s endurance and resilience. 

During the 1996 Olympics, American gymnast Kerri Strug injured her ankle, but by sheer determination she completed her event to win a gold medal. Although in excruciating pain, Kerri had a legitimate excuse to give up and quit, but this obstacle provided her an opportunity to show strength of character. She pulled up everything within her being to strain forward to win the prize for herself, her teammates and America.

  

           After God spoke to him in a dream, Jacob went forward with determination to face an unknown future. He believed God was now part of his life, anchored by a promise he could never forget. No matter what obstacles you’re facing, Christ Jesus is willing to give you, too, the inner strength to go forward to win the prize he has in store for you.

Through the Lens of Confidence: Transformation - Part 1

We've all observed men and women who could roll with the flow of life, who refused to be distracted from their objectives. The ability to roll with the flow doesn't imply giving in to temptation or "doing as the Romans do while in Rome." It takes character strength to sidestep entrapments designed to divert you from God's intended purpose.

A mother referred to her son as intrepid, gutsy, and determined to achieve, despite having a tough learning disability. Resilience enabled him to make friends, do his work with integrity, and deflect self-doubt that was always present. What helped him stay focused was confidence in his parents to be an encouragement regardless of what he would have to face.

The Apostle Paul had unshakable confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Jesus transformed him into a person with direction and purpose for his life. God gave him the wisdom and maturity to change along with a vision that affected the world in a way he had previously believed to be impossible. With Christ in you, all things are possible.  

Finding God's Purpose in Difficult Times - Part 2

A nation's moral and spiritual values seem to ebb and flow with the character of its leaders. Great Britain evolved into a great nation during the nineteenth century because of innate inventiveness, which was the moving force behind its manufacturing industry. Naval supremacy gave Britain a political edge in the affairs of the world during that century.

However these points of power did not define Britain's total character. Personal values derived from a strong Christian faith defined their integrity, as hard work was a benchmark for success. These character strengths gave rise to a concern for the welfare of mankind. During World War II, their faith and trust in God got them through the dark days of war.

Personal crisis eventually will visit everyone. Surviving a crisis demands change in the arrangement of priorities. Coming back to God by giving Christ Jesus first place in your life is required for making healthy choices. Surviving the consequences of a crisis takes endurance and a resilience that faith in God provides. Faith is God's gift to you.