Thessalonians | Week 3
When life feels foggy and discouragement sets in, encouragement becomes the clarity that helps us keep going. This message reminds us not to quit too soon—because we may be just one mile from the breakthrough God has promised.
Don't Quit in Year Nine: The Power of Encouragement in the Fog
Some seasons feel like we’re swimming blind—unsure of how far we’ve come or how close we are to breakthrough.
In 1952, endurance swimmer Florence Chadwick attempted a 26-mile swim from California to Catalina Island. After 16 hours in the frigid water, a heavy fog rolled in. She couldn’t see the shoreline—so she gave up.
She was one mile from the finish line.
We’ve all been there: discouraged, confused, in the fog. But here’s the truth—encouragement can help us see what we can’t see for ourselves. And sometimes, it’s the difference between quitting and pushing through to the miracle.
Encouragement Isn't Flattery—It's Fuel
We often mistake compliments for encouragement. But they're not the same.
Compliments say, "You look great!"
Encouragement says, "God’s called you. Keep going. You’re closer than you think."
In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul writes:
“We sent Timothy… to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.” (v.2–3)
The Thessalonian church was under pressure. Trials, opposition, spiritual resistance. But Paul knew that the right word at the right time could keep them steady. He knew that encouragement gives strength in the storm.
When You're in the Fog, You Need to Hear the Truth
Back in 2005, our family planted a church in Seattle. The early days? Brutal. We had little support, no visible fruit, and more spiritual resistance than we could have imagined. We were cursed by witches, ignored by neighbors, and met with disappointment after disappointment.
To be honest, we were ready to quit.
But then a friend invited us to rest. To get away. To be encouraged. He and his wife spent five days praying for us, listening for God on our behalf, and calling out what they saw in us.
One of the words they gave us was Joshua 1:9:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
That encouragement was oxygen to our lungs. We returned to Seattle and kept going. This October, we’re headed back to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of that same church—a thriving, multiplying, city-reaching body.
Our part in that miracle? We didn’t quit.
You Might Be in Your Year Nine
Florence Chadwick gave up at mile 25 of a 26-mile swim because she couldn’t see where she was going. And many of us do the same.
The pastor of a massive Atlanta church shared that for 10 years, they never grew beyond 50 people. He almost gave up. But in year 10, everything changed.
Don’t give up in year nine.
In Scripture, we see this pattern again and again:
Abraham waited 25 years to see God’s promise.
Joseph spent 13 years between promise and promotion.
David ran for his life for over a decade before stepping into kingship.
God’s promises are still true in the fog.
Encouragement Is a Weapon—Use It
Hebrews 10:24–25 calls us to this:
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on… encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Encouragement isn’t just for birthdays and funerals. It’s for today. It’s the fuel that keeps us going when vision is blurry and hope is thin.
That’s why we say around here: encouragement isn’t optional. It’s mission-critical.
So Here's the Challenge
Look around you. Who’s in the fog right now? Who needs a word that lifts their head? Ask God:
“Who do you want me to encourage today?”
Maybe it’s a word of life. A reminder of identity. A Scripture. A high-five. A coffee and a check-in. Whatever it is—say it. Send it. Speak it.
You might be the voice that helps someone finish their swim.
Whether you’re feeling the weight of comparison, disappointment, or delay—you are not alone.
Jesus is near. The Spirit is with you. And we’re with you, too.