Sliding Down the Banister of Life
Insights From Vacation Bible School
The Courage to Encourage
Sometimes We Need A Push
“Come on, Earl—you can do it!” Ryan shouted from the top of the church playground slide.
Below, a crowd gathered. Some were curious. Some were taunting. Earl froze at the top, staring down the long silver slope that looked twice his height and ten times as terrifying.
He wanted to move but couldn’t. His knees shook. Fear had him locked tight.
Then came a whisper just behind him—Ryan again.
“Earl, I’m right here. You can do this.”
And with that, they both pushed off.
Down they went—arms flailing, knees knocking, laughter exploding. They tumbled to the bottom in a heap of grass and glory.
It wasn’t perfect.
It was beautiful.
Encouragement Creates Momentum
To encourage literally means “to give courage.”
It’s not flattery; it’s fuel.
Joshua heard it from God Himself:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
God knows we don’t naturally brim with courage. Fear is our default.
That’s why He surrounds us with encouragers—those who whisper faith when our own voice goes quiet.
We all need a Ryan behind us sometimes, someone willing to climb the ladder, face the same fear, and whisper, “You’re not alone.”
That’s the power of presence. It’s what turns trembling into trust.
Be Someone’s Push
Encouragement isn’t just something we receive—it’s something we give away daily.
Hebrews 3:13 says, “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today.’”
Why daily? Because fear comes daily. Discouragement doesn’t take weekends off.
You never know what one kind word might release in someone else—the courage to try again, to believe again, to slide when they’d rather freeze.
And when you give courage, it multiplies.
The one you encouraged today may be the one who helps you tomorrow.
Reflection
Who has been your “Ryan”—someone who gave you courage when you froze in fear?
Who around you might need your encouragement today?
What fear could lose its grip if you simply believed, “God is with me in this”?
Prayer
Abba Father, thank You for the encouragers You’ve placed in my life.
Help me become one—someone who gives courage, not criticism. When fear rises, remind me that You’re with me, whispering, “You can do it.”
Amen.