When the Going Gets Tough, "Be of Good Cheer"

That's what Jesus said to a man who was sick in bed. No hope? Jesus had a plan for him and He has one for us. "And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee" (Matthew 9:2).

That's what Jesus said to some men who were in a ship that was about to sink and they saw Jesus walking on the water. "But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matthew 14:27).

That's what Jesus says to us when there is trouble because of our faith, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

That's what God said to the prisoner Paul. "And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome" (Acts 23:11).

That's what God said to Paul when the ship was going down. "And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.... Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me" (Matthew 27:22,25).

When the going gets tough we need to look up instead of down and all around. If our hearts and affections are upon God, He always has a plan for us. Sometimes it may be deliverance from our difficulties and sometimes it may be in the midst of them. "Be of good cheer," you are not alone! Usually we do not know what God will do, but we can know He cares deeply for us and has a plan. Some have died for their faith and some experienced deliverance. It is all in the plan and wisdom of God. "Be of good cheer." Trust Jesus in every experience of life. Jesus said "be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" Revelation 2:10).

—Silas Martin