Daily Devotions for Saturday, July 19, 2025: You Can Do It!

 

The Daily Devotional

Saturday, July 19, 2025

You Can Do It!

There they strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, “It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)

Introduction

Living for Christ isn’t always smooth sailing. From the earliest days of the church, believers faced hardships that made them question whether they could continue. But the apostles knew something powerful: encouragement has the ability to refuel a weary soul. In today’s verse, we find Paul and Barnabas returning to recently established Christian communities—not just to teach, but to strengthen and encourage. Their message wasn’t one of false ease, but of truthful hope: perseverance in hardship leads to eternal glory.

Reflection

Encouragement is like oxygen—we can’t survive without it. This became vividly real for nine-year-old James Savage, who attempted a two-mile swim through the icy waters from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island and back. About thirty minutes in, he was ready to give up. The cold and the chop were too much. But from a fleet of kayaks paddling nearby, voices rang out, “You can do it!” And those words made the difference. With new resolve, James pushed through and became the youngest swimmer to complete the challenge.

In a similar way, believers sometimes hit rough waters in their walk with Christ—trials, disappointments, loneliness, or even failure. That’s when a few words of heartfelt encouragement can revive hope. Paul and Barnabas didn’t minimize the hardship. Instead, they reminded the disciples that endurance was part of the journey—and that they were not alone.

Application

There’s someone in your life right now—perhaps a friend, a coworker, or even a family member—who feels like they’re swimming against the tide. Your words might be the paddle beside them. This week, make it your mission to speak life into someone’s situation. A text, a phone call, a shared verse, or even a quiet word over coffee can help someone say, “I can keep going.” And if you are the one in need of encouragement today, listen closely—Jesus is saying to you, “You can do it. I’m with you.”

Conclusion

Encouragement isn’t about pretending things are easy; it’s about speaking truth with hope. Like Paul and Barnabas, we are called to help each other remain true to the faith—even when it’s hard. With God’s strength and each other’s support, we can press on. Through every hardship, we move one stroke closer to the shores of God’s kingdom.

Prayer

Gracious God, thank You for the gift of encouragement—how just a few words can restore strength to a weary heart. Help me to be attentive to those around me who may be struggling, and give me the wisdom to speak truth with kindness. When I feel like giving up, remind me of Your faithfulness and the voices You’ve placed around me to say, “You can do it.” Strengthen my heart to press on, and use me to strengthen others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.