Have you noticed how when God gives you a plan and tells you to go out and do great exploits with it, as soon as you go out to do good, evil always shows up amid the plans? Why is that? When you first start, you are excited that you heard the voice of the Lord speaking to you! In your excitement, you think, "Not only is He speaking to me, but He has asked me to do something for the kingdom!" You pray, fast, prepare, collect the materials, and obtain finances to complete the work. However, no sooner than this is done, evil shows us and rains on your parade. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. (ESV)
Here are a few more examples: The person who said they would do the job marketing a project for your church or company quits without notice. Wow. What's going on, you think to yourself? Look at it; finances that took over a year to save now have to be earmarked for another project that came out of nowhere! There goes that budget. And lastly, when you thought it couldn't get any worse, a major crisis hits your family or marriage. In times like these, you want to scream or crawl under the covers of your bed and never come out! We have all been there. I know I have! I thank God for Jesus Christ our Lord!
Discouragement is a killer of the soul! It is a killer of dreams, visions, purpose, and destiny! Discouragement is a major weapon that Satan uses to hinder, delay, and destroy the works of God within the believer, as they purpose to bear their cross and live as a disciple of Christ. Not only is discouragement used against the believer, but it is also used against the church and Christian ministries. What does one do when discouragement comes into our lives? How do we overcome it and rise from it? Here are a few encouraging words to overcome discouragement that will build your faith and get you back on your feet in no time.
First, it is ok to question why you are feeling discouraged, especially when it has debilitated your walk in Christ or the work of the ministry in the church. Looking at the lives of the saints in the Old Testament, we can take comfort and learn from their experiences and revelations for God. We learn they, too, have gone through similar troubles and trials as we have. We also learn avenues of discouragement come through avenues of our families, life circumstances, or with ourselves. Peter was discouraged with himself after he denied Jesus three times before the cock crowed. He discovered he wasn't as courageous as he proclaimed in the presence of Jesus and the other disciples before Jesus' arrest. He repented for his sins. Later, after the resurrection of Christ, he became a great apostle of Jesus Christ and builder of the Church.
Secondly, Be honest with yourself and the Lord God. God knows our hearts and sees all that we think or do. Read Jeremiah 17:9. He knows the motives of our hearts even before we know them. As we grow in grace, He wants us to know what's really in our hearts, whether we will obey or disobey His will for our lives. Read Deuteronomy 8:2. With that spoken, He also requires that we humble ourselves and come to His throne of grace so that we may obtain mercy and find grace and help in the time of need. Because of His great love and His Son, Jesus Christ, we have that liberty in Him. Read Hebrews 4:16.
Thirdly, Take care of your body. We all need rest for our bodies and mental rest for our minds. There are many examples in the Bible of overworked servants of God. One of my favorite examples is the prophet, Elijah. He was so overworked and tired that he asked God to let him die. Remember this, after a great victory, temptations come to war against your soul to cause you to fall into a pit of despair. When Elijah rested, ate, and cared for his body, he was restored and got a new assignment for God. Get some rest. Read 1 Kings 18 & 19.
Fourthly, pay attention to your thought life. Be very selected what you receive in your eye gate and the ear gate of your soul. What a man thinks, so he is. If we put garbage into our minds, we can expect garbage to come out when we speak. Be wise in what you allow people to put into your heart and mind. Much of what is spoken can be spiritual and emotional trash, be watchful. Read Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 10:5. And take out the garbage, for out of your heart flows the issues of life. Guard it
Fifthly, train yourself to see both ways. Yes, there is an earthly side, but there is also a spiritual side to truth. Read 2 Corinthians 4:8-18.
Sixth, press closer to God. The Lord is good, a stronghold in a time of trouble. The prophet Nahum experienced these troubling times, and when he did, he drew nearer to God as his strong tower. Read Psalm 27.
Finally, give thanks. Not because it is a pleasant experience you are enduring but because God is Sovereign over your life, and He is working it for your good. Read Romans 8:28. From past experiences walking with Him, you know He's gotten you through once, and He will do it again and again! God is Sovereign and in control. Know Him and His nature. Know Him. When you do, knowing Him becomes a peaceful revelation throughout your soul. When you know that you know that He's got this too, peace stabilizes the soul and removes all fears. He's got this! He's got you! Remember, God will never leave you nor abandon you. He is good, and His mercy endures forever. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18. This is your comeback season; arise, move in the strength and the glory of His might! You are more than a conqueror! You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! Selah.