Early in my freshman year as a college baseball player, I was hitting in the cage while my coach was watching intently.  I was both excited and intimidated at the same time.  I wanted to show him what I had to offer but I could feel his eyes watching my every move.  It was a bit nerve wracking.

After a few swings coach yells out, “Take one to right.”  So I wait on the pitch and whack, I hit a line drive to right.  He coos, “Marvelous…do it again.”  I wait and scald one through the four hole.  He responds, “Wonderful…do it again.”  The next pitch I drill another line drive to right.  He chuckles and whispers, “Nice!” 

Some people define encouragement simply as “bringing courage.”  This is really not hard to do.  A simple spoken word, maybe a pat on the back or even the making of a fist directed to somebody can do this.  Our verse above challenges us to bring encouragement.  In my opinion, I think if the author (Luke) wrote this verse today, he might have said, “Bring it.” 

It’s been decades since Coach first spoke these three simple words to me but I can still hear them echo around my brain from time to time.  And when they come I get a sweet sense of peace.  Encouragement elevates, brings confidence, and is a source of strength…and it ripples!  I not only hung on those words that day, I still hang onto them today. 

How about you?  Do you want to “bring it” to your team? Let your actions encourage them!