Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. – Luke 17:1

Today’s Scripture Reading (October 30, 2017): Luke 17

Scottish philosopher Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) said that “Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.” We recognize that we all experience those moments when we just want to give up. A desire to give up and stop chasing our goals is not unusual. Failure is a normal facet of life. The fear that we will never succeed is not something that only a few of experience. It is a constant reality that we all know and understand. What is different with each of us is our response in the face of our fear and discouragement. As far as Carlyle was concerned, it is the strong soul who is able to push through the discouragement, and it is the weak soul is more likely to give up in the face of obstacles.

Jesus never tries to tell us that we will never face discouragement and failure. No biblical promise says that everything will always go right “for those who trust in the Lord.” After all, he faced his own obstacles throughout his ministry, and then his disciples faced more during their lives after Christ. Our biblical role models could never have been accused of following a path that left them with an easy and trouble-free life. In fact, Jesus promises trouble and discouragement for all of us. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b). The words that Jesus uses are “you will” experience your own share of discouragement and defeat; there is no option here.

But what Jesus underscores is that while discouragement is bound to exist in this world of ours, we should not be the cause of it. Finding a reason to continue, especially in matters of faith, is hard enough without us making it even harder. Our role in this world is that we are commanded to be a people of encouragement for all of those who journey through life at our sides. We are the ones who find ways to be an encouragement to those around us. We are the cheerleaders of their lives.

It has been Paul’s words that I am reminded of often in the past few years. Paul wrote them to the church in Ephesus.  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). This is our identity and who we are in Christ. Anything less just does not measure up.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: John 11