Encouragement

Encouragement is hope or promise, whereas discouragement tricks us into mentally or emotionally dwelling in the very place we want to leave.

Once upon a time, it was announced that the devil was going out of business and would sell all his equipment to those who were willing to pay the price.

On the big day of the sale, all his tools were attractively displayed. There were Envy, Jealousy, Hatred, Malice, Deceit, Sensuality, Pride, Idolatry, and other implements of evil display. Each of the tools was marked with its own price tag.

Over in the corner, harmless looking was the wedge-shaped tool. It was very much worn, but still, it was more expensive than the others. Someone asked the devil what it was, and he answered, "That is Discouragement."

The next question came quickly, "And why is it priced so high even though it is plain to see that it is worn more than these others?"

Because replied the devil, "It is more useful to me than all these others. I can pry open and get into a man's heart with that when I cannot get near him with any other, too. Once I get inside, I can use him in whatever way suits me best. It is worn well because I use it on everybody I can; few people even know it belongs to me."

This tool was priced so high that no one could buy it, and to this day, it has never been sold. It still belongs to the devil, and he still uses it on mankind. - unknown