在醫院度過了漫長的一天，但仍然找不出是什麼病如此折磨這個年輕聰明的19歲少年，全家人都十分沮喪。當他們失望地回到家時，赫然發現門前台階上有個包裝精美的盒子，上面印著以賽亞書43章2節，而裡面裝著許多鼓勵人的聖經經文，全都是朋友們親手抄錄的。接下來的一個鐘頭，他們沉浸在上帝的話語帶給他們的鼓勵，並因朋友們的暖心之舉而深受感動。

正經歷困境或家庭問題的人，總是能用一個方法重新得力，那就是閱讀聖經。不論是一整段章節或只是一節經文，上帝的話都能鼓勵你、你的朋友或家人。無論是閱讀單獨的句子或是整章經文，以賽亞書43章都能給人帶來鼓勵。例如：上帝「創造你」、「造成你」、「救贖了你」，以及「提你的名召你」（1節）；上帝「必與你同在」（2節）；祂是「以色列的聖者」，是我們的「救主」（3節）。

願你回想上帝的應許時，能從中得到激勵。當上帝供應你的需要時，你也可以鼓勵別人。這個經文盒子花不了多少錢，但盒內的經文卻帶來極其寶貴的影響。即使過了五年，其中幾張經文卡片仍被這家人寶貝地珍藏著。

It was a long day at the hospital. Still no answers to the sickness that afflicted a young, bright nineteen-year-old. Arriving home, the family felt discouraged. To their surprise, a nicely decorated box sat on the step with Isaiah 43:2 printed on the front. Inside, were assorted encouraging Bible verses that friends had written out by hand. The next hour was spent being encouraged by Scripture and the thoughtful gesture of the family’s friends.

People going through tough times or family challenges can always use a heartfelt boost. Scripture—either a large portion or just a verse—can encourage you, a friend, or family member. Isaiah 43 is filled with little bits of encouragement—received either individually or as a whole. Consider a few choice thoughts: God has “created you,” “formed you,” “redeemed you,” and called you “by name” (v. 1). God “will be with you” (v. 2), He’s “the Holy One of Israel,” and He’s our “Savior” (v. 3).

As you consider the promises of God, may they encourage you. And as He provides what you need, you can encourage someone else. The verse box didn’t cost a lot, but its impact was priceless. Even after five years, some of those verse cards are still cherished by the family.