We all know people who bring doom and gloom wherever they go—the ones who never have a kind word to say, who always find the downside of everything, and whose complaints fill every conversation.
These are not the voices you want speaking into your dreams or shaping your faith. If you want the calling God planted in you to grow and flourish, you need people who will nurture it, protect it, and cheer you on when the road gets tough. In other words, you need a Barnabas.
Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36), was the kind of person who made others believe they could become who God called them to be. He didn’t just believe in people from the sidelines, he championed them. When others doubted Paul’s conversion and questioned his sincerity, Barnabas stood beside him and vouched for his transformation (Acts 9:26-27). When John (also called Mark) failed in ministry and others wrote him off, Barnabas gave him another chance (Acts 15:36-39). He saw potential where others saw only problems. He looked beyond someone’s present struggles and called out their God-given destiny.
Every one of us needs someone like that, someone who reminds us of God’s promises when doubt creeps in, who speaks life when our confidence wavers, and who pushes us closer to our purpose when we’re tempted to give up. For me, one of my greatest encouragers has always been my mother. She has prayed over me, believed in me, and consistently pointed me back to God. When challenges came, she refused to let me sit in self-pity. Instead, she spoke truth and hope into my life, reminding me of God’s faithfulness and His plan. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” A true encourager doesn’t just comfort you; they strengthen you in the Lord.
Maybe you’ve been blessed with someone like that, a mentor, friend, coach, or spiritual leader who poured wisdom and encouragement into your journey. If so, cherish them. And if you haven’t had that person yet, don’t give up. Pray and trust that God will bring a Barnabas into your life at the right time.
But what happens when the encouragement you need doesn’t come from the people you expect? Maybe the ones closest to you don’t understand your calling. Maybe they question your dreams or even try to “protect” you from disappointment by discouraging you from taking bold steps. That can feel painful and isolating. But remember, even Jesus Christ experienced this. His own brothers didn’t believe in Him at first (John 7:5). When He returned to His hometown, instead of celebrating Him, the people were skeptical and dismissive (Mark 6:4). Yet Jesus didn’t let their doubt derail His mission. He stayed focused on what God had called Him to do.
You and I must do the same. Keep loving your family and friends, but don’t allow their fear or uncertainty to become your roadblock. God is the one who planted this calling in your heart, and He will provide the right people to walk alongside you and encourage you in the journey.
And while it’s a blessing to have a Barnabas, it’s equally important to be one. Hebrews 3:13 (NIV) instructs us, “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today.’” Someone in your life needs your voice of hope. Someone needs to hear you say, “I believe in you. God’s not finished with you yet.” They need your prayers, your presence, and your willingness to stand with them when the world counts them out.
Everyone needs a Barnabas. And maybe, just maybe, someone is praying for you to step into that role. So, ask God to help you recognize those who need encouragement and give you the words to speak life over them. And as you pour into others, watch how God surrounds you with encouragers of your own—people who will champion your dreams and walk beside you as you pursue your God-given calling.
Let’s Pray: Father, thank You for the people You’ve placed in my life who encourage me, speak life into me, and remind me of who I am in You. I’m grateful for every Barnabas You’ve sent my way, those who believe in me when I doubt myself and point me back to Your promises when I feel discouraged. Please, help me to be that same kind of encourager to others. Open my eyes to see who needs a kind word, a prayer, or a reminder of Your faithfulness. Use my voice, my actions, and my faith to strengthen someone else’s journey. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
