Encourage-signUpon much reflection on life circumstances and events… my own and that of others… I have come up with what I call my Theology of Encouragement. It is the best way as a believer in Christ I have come up with to understand and process life. This one is mine. I suggest you come up with one yourself.

Every hurt, disappointment, and pain in life is placed there by a loving God who wills only the absolute best for his own, now and forever (Isaiah 46:9-10; Psalm 84:11; Romans 8:18, 31b-32, 37-39).

God’s goal is not so much ease and comfort in this life as it is his glory (Isaiah 48:11) and the strength of his children’s faith (Luke 22:31-32).

God never allows anything into his children’s life that is anything but good in his all wise knowledge (Romans 8:28).

God is so determined to make his children like his Son he does not leave it to chance, but wills it without any possibility of failure (Romans 8:29).

Therefore, everything the Christian experiences is ultimately good, increases joy, lays up treasure in heaven, and is to be understood in these contexts (Romans 8:31-32).

This theology is the product of 40+ years of experience, study, and reflection. It has been hammered out and run through the crucible of adversity. It is my theology… one that encourages me. I pray you too will be encouraged!