My son, Scott, and I recently returned from another father-son camp, where the adventures include a 50-foot rock-climbing wall. The wall features three climbing lanes that offer varying degrees of difficulty. Every year I attempt the middle, most difficult lane, and fail. Until this year.

At 40 feet, I hit a point that seemed to offer no path to continue climbing. I rested for a few moments and tried to think of any hand or footing changes that might help. Seeing no options, I decided that I would simply let go and repel down. Another try, another miss. "Descend," I called to my son, who stood on the ground below working the belay equipment that ensured my safety. And that's when everything changed.

"Keep going, Dad" he replied, "I know you can make it!"

How I wanted those words to be true so that my son could see me succeed. But I didn't see any way to keep climbing.

"You're so close, don't stop now," he continued. "I think the rock just above your right foot is the one you need."

Because the wall angles out at the 40-foot point, I couldn't see the rock that he saw. But because of his encouraging words, I lifted my foot, stepped on the rock, and made it to the top. After my descent from the top, I told him that his words gave me the inspiration and direction I needed. Without them, I would have given up. He beamed when he realized the role he played.

Do you have someone in your life who speaks encouraging words to you? I hope so. If you don't, pray that God sends a person to you. There's nothing wrong with giving and receiving words of acknowledgement or affirmation, and there's also nothing new about doing it. The early churches surely felt encouraged when they received Paul's letters.

If significant time has elapsed since you've heard any encouraging words, then read a few of Paul's that apply to you as much as to the church in Corinth: "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain" (1 Cor. 15:58). The children's ministry work you do, in whatever capacity you do it, has high value to God—he fully realizes the role you play in helping kids know his Son. Children's ministry work is never in vain!

In the ministry season ahead, you'll likely face moments where challenges abound with no options to be readily found. Volunteers might vanish. Budgets might tighten. Or, on the other hand, attendance might double. In fact, maybe it will go higher than you ever dreamed possible.

I learned that successful wall climbing takes place one step at a time, so I don't need to know how to conquer the entire wall in a single leap. The next rock to place my foot on is generally all I really need—and an encouraging word along the way also helps.

Copyright © 2005 Promiseland.

Read more from 'Encouraging Words'

Words Kids Need to Hear To Help Them Be Who God Made Them to Be by David Staal If you could choose just seven statements to share with children, what would they be? Each chapter in this compelling book focuses on a single statement elementary-age kids need to hear from parents, children's workers, and other close adults. These seven statements are simple to share, yet guaranteed to profoundly impact children. They are: I believe in you. You can count on me. I treasure you. I'm sorry, please forgive me. Because. No. I love you. will educate, equip, and motivate parents and children's ministry teams to carefully choose words that building up kids' hearts, to say them frequently, and to do so in creative ways. What children hear from trusted adults significantly influences their self-image, their current relationships, and future relationships—including that all-important relationship with God.