Keep trying - keep encouraging!

​The determination of a baby learning how to walk is inspiring. No matter how many times he falls, he gets back up and tries again. There are usually cries, tears, bumps, and bruises, but something within drives him to get back up and take another step. Much praise and encouragement often accompany this important milestone: "Good job! You can do it!" Hand clapping and smiles let the baby know how proud everyone is of him. The more he walks, the fewer the falls. Yet, every time he falls, he gets back up.

Jeremiah wrote of a people who had fallen spiritually. Israel had backslidden and refused to "arise" and "return" to God. Many Christians (especially early in their walk with God) find habits and old sinful ways hard to let go. But like the baby's loving parents and friends, our Heavenly Father and the Church of God are sending words of encouragement to the one who is struggling to walk: "With God's help, you can do it! We love you! We are praying!"

Imagine when a baby is learning to walk, someone who is very negative saying: "You fell again. You're worthless! You'll never learn to walk!" How discouraging. We have an enemy of our souls who is doing his best to make us "fall, and not arise." He does not want to see anyone successfully walking with Christ.
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If you are struggling in your walk, like the determined toddler, keep trying. If you are a seasoned saint of God, like the proud parents, keep encouraging. Both of these, combined with fervent prayer, will bring about people who are determined to walk with the Lord.

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.
—Thomas Edison