encouragement

The apostle Paul had big goals. He was determined to preach to Caesar in Rome, and not even a shipwreck stopped him. He also had a goal to preach in Spain. He told the Romans: “I have had for many years a longing to come to you whenever I go to Spain” (Rom. 15:23-24). We don’t know if he actually made it to Spain before he was martyred, but the dream must have propelled him forward.

Is there a big dream that excites you? Do you have some bold, God-given goals? I encourage you to dream. Don’t settle for a mediocre life. God-inspired goals are impossible for you to attain in your own power, but they will cause you to stretch your faith and achieve supernatural results. What is your Spain? Dream big and don’t let circumstances stop you!

I love the moment in Scripture when Jesus changed Simon’s name. He said: “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah…I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church” (Matt. 16:17-18). Jesus saw something special in Peter. By giving him a name that means “rock,” He was seeing past Peter’s doubts and weaknesses. He called him into his true identity as a strong apostolic leader.

Peter didn’t always act like a rock. He was often unstable, and he even denied Jesus after His arrest. But ultimately Peter became the solid rock that Jesus said he would become. In the same way, you can speak to the destiny of those you mentor. Your job is to see their potential. Give them Scriptures. Text or call them and remind them of their purpose, especially when they have failed. Your words of blessing will build them up and catapult them to a higher level of spiritual maturity.”