Archives JohnR

In Genesis 46:4, God says to Israel “I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again;” Sometimes, God builds us when we are in Egypt and His promise is “I will also bring you up again.”

Jesus always likes to encourage people. He never despised or crushed down people. He always exhorts those who are suffering. We can see in the New Testament some examples where Jesus said ‘Be of good cheer’.

To a paralytic man in Matthew 9:2: “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” As sons and daughters, we inherit the promises of God. Jesus did not consider him as a stranger. Only Jesus can save. He heals our soul and he takes care of our body.

To a woman sick for 12 years in Matthew 9:22: “Be of good cheer, daughter, your faith has made you well.” This woman dared to touch Him but He was not offended. Boldness and trust in Jesus will make you whole.

To the disciples on the raging sea in Matthew 14:27: “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” It was a stressful situation and Jesus knew it. By His words, Jesus casts away the fear. In some dangerous situations in our lives, it is good to know that the Great “I’am” is with us. Even until the end of this world.

To the Apostle Paul in Acts 23:11 : “Be of good cheer, Paul, for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome” Jesus encourage himself Paul before a dangerous situation because the opposition is great.

To every of His followers, Jesus says: “But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Troubles in this world are for everyone. Jesus understands our difficulties and He encourages us to be persistent in our faith, to go forward. We must keep His peace because he came in this world and He overcome the world for us. Not for Him! We are victorious because we have overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. (Rev. 12:11) We are not oblige to accept fear, sorrows, despair, oppression and so on because we have the authority in the Name of Jesus Christ. Be encouraged today!

You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.