The Inspiration of Encouragement
Luke: Well, I’ve got Trevor Duffy, a friend from eMseni, here in the studio with me today, and he’s going to share some words out of a really great book that he published. I’m going to ask him to tell you a bit more about it.
Trevor: Thanks, Luke. Thanks very much for having me today. It’s a great pleasure to be here to share some insights into this book, A More Excellent Way.
The Power of Encouragement in Difficult Times
Frank Mussell was a minister back in the days of Zimbabwe, or Rhodesia as it was, and he published this book some 50 years ago. At a time in my early Christian walk, it gave me a lot of help and encouragement. He was 82 years old at that time, and he gave me a copy of this book of his.
As the years went on, he passed on, and I just felt inspired to republish the book—with permission from his family. And so I did that, and here it is now, available for people to be inspired with, just as I was.
Luke: Great. And so I’m going to put a link to the book for you to buy if you want to check that out. I’m looking forward to hearing these words.
So what are you going to share with us today, Trevor?
Trevor: Well, I thought Chapter 19—it’s entitled The Inspiration of Encouragement. I thought it was a great chapter to look at, and it’s one that’s meant a lot to me over the years.
The focus is on Acts 28:15, where Paul was on his way to Rome, travelling by ship through many challenges and hazards. The last part of the journey ended up being on foot, because they were put ashore about 30 miles from where they needed to go.
You can imagine how Paul was going through such a difficult time, along with the other prisoners—facing many challenges. And the next thing they knew was that at a place called the Three Taverns, a group of Christians came forward to greet them. This was just so amazing for them.
Paul thanked God and took courage. At that point, he lost his fatigue. As Frank Mussell’s book says, his depression vanished, his whole personality was strengthened, and he went forward with new hope.”
Who Can You Encourage Today?
It just inspired me—how we, as Christians, can help each other. These believers supported Paul at a time when he was going through such a difficult challenge.
What can we do to help others who are also going through difficulties in life?
And I love these words of Frank’s on the next page: “Do you ever give those near you a word of appreciation?”
He then gives some practical ways to do it. And as he said, Jesus was a friend to many, and He was a great encourager.
So I wonder—do our lives reflect this kind of encouragement that so clearly impacted Paul in this story?
Whose life could you impact today if you simply took the time to encourage someone?
Sometimes, it’s not the big things—it’s a word, a moment, a gesture—that God uses to lift someone’s spirit and give them strength to keep going.
The early disciples were encouraged by the Spirit. Do you need encouragement today? The Spirit is here to provide you the ministry of His presence.