Now here is a very reassuring thought from Charles Spurgeon: “The Lord is my Shepherd. That means I am His sheep—watched over, cared for, and loved. He leads me not with a whip but with His voice, and I follow because I know I am safe with Him.”

Sometimes things simply go wrong! If you are having that sort of a week then take heart by reading what Eric Liddell once said, “Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God’s plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.” Just remember – God wins in the end!

C. T. Studd once challenged believers to remain unwavering in their faith – to refuse to compromise in a world that pressures believers to conform by saying: “Don’t be a chocolate soldier that melts in the heat of battle—stand firm, fight for the faith, and never compromise!” It’s still a challenger for believers today – so never be tempted to water down you faith in search of popularity.

If you are going through difficult times at the moment then this quote from Billy Graham might help you. “Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit grows in the valleys. It is in suffering that we draw closest to Christ.”

Are you are a radiator or a drain? Are you an encourager or a moaner? Well whatever you are, think on this -“Encouragement is oxygen to the soul. A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success” – D.L. Moody. Does that clarify your thinking?