When I was a little boy, they used to tell me "if you can't say something good be quiet!" It was good advice really, and although it wasn't given from a biblical perspective, it is quite a good stand to make. Whereas we must speak the truth, we should always seek to minister encouragement.

Encourage those in the faith to continue.

Encourage those seeking to find.

Encourage those who are not seeking to start.

Paul sets a tremendous example. When lost in a storm at sea, in a failing ship Paul says:

Paul could encourage those around him because he had faith in God. Our faith should, like Paul's, be something solid and certain on which we depend.

Paul believed that he knew God's voice, and he had heard from God. There can be nothing more certain. He knew that they would be saved, so he could encourage them. We know that God is good, and we can encourage people to find Him and know Him – because He will do them good!

Everyone means everyone.

We can be confident that if we tell people to call on the name of the Lord that they will find Him and be saved. It was true for us and it is true for all who call.

So, today have faith in God. Talk to Him, and spend time waiting for Him to talk to you. Learn the sound of His voice. Depend on Him and measure all things against His Word (The Bible). If you don't know the Bible, you have no measure and are like a rudderless ship. Do not depend on a man for guidance – get your head in the Bible and listen to God.

With your faith firmly centred then start encouraging. Share your testimony of God's goodness and be thankful too.

It will happen just as He told you!