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Key Bible Verse: I am glad I can have complete confidence in you (2 Corinthians:7:16).
Bonus Reading:Acts:14:21-22

Covering the entire 1,150-mile Anchorage-to-Nome course of this annual sled-dog race is a major accomplishment. Many of the 75 or so teams drop out or are disqualified. In 1979, Karl Clauson, then 18, became the youngest person to attempt it alone. Karl's story:

At the starting line, I heard other teams discussing options: "What if we just get to Ugashik? If we get down on dogs? If we run out of food? How'll we get back?" People twice my age and experience were making contingency plans. My Dad walked up to me at the front of the sled, stuck out his hand and looked me in the eye. His only words: "See you in Nome!"

I endured sub-zero weather with chill factors off the chart, got into dangerous situations around open water and mountain ranges, slept on the Yukon River with a rope tied around me and the sled. Alone for the last 450 miles, I hit unbelievable blizzards along the Bering Sea coast. But 21-and-a-half days later I rounded Cape Nome and crossed the finish line.

I made it because of Dad's words: "See you in Nome!" It was only much later that it occurred to me that I mightn't have made it. Now those are powerful words!

—Ken Sutterfield in The Power of an Encouraging Word

Help someone believe they're capable—at home or work.

They can conquer who believe they can.

—John Dryden (English poet, 17th century)

Adapted from The Power of an Encouraging Word (New Leaf, 1997).

NOTE: For your convenience, The Power of an Encouraging Word is available in the ChristianityToday.com Shopping Channel.

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Prayer for the Week

My Father, I pray for the gift of being a load-lifter this week.

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