By DANNY MINTON

A few years ago, I viewed a news story about a young boy who wanted to compete in a school track meet. He chose the 400-meter run, the most challenging race of the day. The problem was cerebral palsy had crippled his legs. Still, he decided that he wanted to run in the race. His name was Matt. Matt went through confusing times trying to determine if he, in reality, wanted to run or not, “Yes,” “Nope,” his mind wavered back and forth, but in the end, he decided to run. 

The race started, and as expected, Matt’s weak legs had him quickly lagging behind the rest. As the race continued, it could be seen that Matt was struggling. Then Matt’s P.E. coach comes up beside him and asks, “You’re not going to quit, are you?” Matt emphatically said, “No,” and continued to move around the track. Then, a little girl from Matt’s class came running beside him, yelling, “Let’s go, Matt.” Another classmate followed her, then another and another until behind Matt, clapping and chanting, “Let’s Go, Matt!” was a mass of friends encouraging him. In victory, Matt crossed the finish line, hands held high to the cheers of everyone there.

Sometimes, people need others to encourage and believe in them, especially when struggling with temptations and trials. One thing that Jesus asks of all Christians is to be an encourager. He wants us to help strengthen the weak as they struggle through their daily physical challenges, mental struggles, and spiritual growth. Having someone by their side as an encourager can make all the difference in their well-being. The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” 

One Wednesday evening, I pulled my car into the driveway of a church member. Next to me, another elder did the same. A mother and her sons met us there as the sun began to set. Her husband had abused her and the kids. This particular evening, the police arrested him, and he was at the police station trying to make bail. The task at hand was to get her and the children to safety before her husband returned. We went through the house collecting clothes and items she and the boys wanted to keep, piling them in every space of the available cars. Two hours later, we drove out of the driveway, secured the family in an unknown hotel, and stored their belongings in the building. 

The weeks that followed involved extensive counseling for the mother and boys. The youth minister spent extra time with the boys, encouraging them and being with them after school. In the end, they were able to move to another town and start over without the fear of verbal and physical abuse.

Every congregation is filled with people who are hurting. Married couples suddenly find themselves in the middle of a divorce. Adultery, financial struggles, and abuse eat away at what was supposed to be a life together “Until death do us part.” Families struggle with their children and the stresses that they have on them today. Alcohol and drug abuse chip away at the foundations of healthy families who feel like there is nowhere to turn. Problems with growing older haunt the individuals and family members who care for them, making life seem like a struggle even to stay alive.

Where do you turn when every turn in life seems to be an uphill battle? Where can you go to find escape when life is full of darkness? Many will turn to their church or someone who understands their journey. It is in these times that we can be a light of encouragement to those in darkness. Hope begins for those standing in the darkness when they can look out and see a light. We can be that light of hope when we are there for encouragement. When we help people face the things they struggle with, their problems have no power over their lives. Jesus told his followers, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28,29 (NIV2011)

When people are struggling, one thing that helps them is to have those running behind them telling them, “You can overcome this!” “I’m right behind you!” “Don’t give up!” “Let’s go!” One topic I probably write about the most is about encouraging one another. Why? It’s a topic that I firmly believe holds priceless value in the lives of those we are around in our everyday lives. In a world full of problems and turning away from how God expects us to live, there is a need for the light of Jesus to shine brighter and brighter every day. No matter how dark it gets, the light of Jesus will always find its way in. Today, you may be that light of Jesus that shines in someone’s darkest hours.

Danny Minton is a former Elder and minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ