Don’t see the audio player? Click here.
In warfare, military planners position tanks to engage the enemy first. After tanks soften the enemy line, soldiers can more easily go forward in battle. If the enemy knocks out a tank, the military quickly replaces it, knowing how valuable it is to win. Military tanks illustrate a vital spiritual truth. They illustrate the value of encouragement in life. When we become discouraged, our forward progress slows or stops. So we need to get rid of discouragement as soon as possible. Fortunately, confidence and comfort is a benefit of being in relationship with Jesus Christ. The Messiah’s mission recorded in Isaiah 61, includes this line: “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor…. to comfort the brokenhearted…. to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’S favor has come.” Jesus quoted this text in the synagogue of Nazareth. The Apostle Paul stressed the same truth to the believers in Thessalonica. He reminded them that Christ was their present and future comfort. “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.” So when you feel downcast, turn to Jesus. Surrender your life to Him. He specializes in healing sad hearts and renewing hope.
