Several years ago I was backpacking on the Appalachian Trail with a few other men when one of them hurt his knee. We were slap in the middle of nowhere in need of assistance when two of us bumped into a brother and sister out for a day-hike who said they could help us with a ride.
Long story short, three of us rushed ahead (as much as we could with 30+ pound packs) to meet these “angels unaware” so they would not have to wait and wonder if we were really coming (and give up on us). When we reached a wide spot on the trail and took a break, I looked at the map and said we still had about another mile and a half to the spot where we would meet these folks.
One of the guys said, “I don’t think I can walk another mile and a half.”
I blurted out, “You have to!” He looked at me wide-eyed and then proceeded to walk that other mile and a half. Ever since then, those words, “You have to!” have been voiced on every one of our annual treks on the Appalachian Trail.
Though we all laugh when we hear those word, they bring us simple, plain encouragement. Encouragement takes many different forms: a comforting word, a motivational aphorism, a chorus from a hymn or song. The reality is that ALL of us need encouragement. Every day. Often multiple times a day.
With the words we say and the actions we offer, we either encourage and build people up, or we discourage and tear them down.
Oh, yeah, we did rendezvous with those saints, and they helped us with a ride to town where we were able to get the assistance we needed. Thanks be to God for their encouragement!