Don't be discouraged
The enemy is working overtime trying to discourage people in general, but he has really stepped it up against the body of Christ big time. Not necessarily with major stuff, though there is a lot of that too going around. It's mostly a bunch of little things, busy-ness, aches, pains, money being held up, things breaking, children getting sick, stubbing toes, illnesses, death in the family, relationship breakups, and on, and on, and on, until you just think that you can't take anymore! He has been bombarding us with great discouragement trying to convince us to give up. Many people are feeling discouraged, depressed and hopeless.
What to do
Isaiah 53:5
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
The Lord said that the devil had been whispering subtle words of doom, despair, and hopelessness into your ears to discourage. Do NOT believe the lies! Lies such as: "If Jesus healed me by His stripes, why am I in pain?" And,"I don't care if I don't fulfill my destiny because God isn't doing much in my life anyhow." And, "I know that the bible says that all my children shall be taught of the Lord, but it sure doesn't look like it." And "I have all these prophetic promises, but I don't see any of them coming to pass, God isn't going to come through for me, it's just impossible. I might just as well eat worms and die." Don’t believe the lies! Trust God’s word! Have faith!
Now we know what the bible says, but the enemy wants us focusing on the negative rather than on the truth. We must do what David did and encourage ourselves in the Lord, making a conscious effort to practice, Philippians 4:6-8
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
This doesn't want to come to us naturally; we must MAKE ourselves think on these things. We must choose to meditate and consecrate ourselves on the TRUTH even when, and especially when, in the natural it doesn't look like good things are happening.
FORGET NOT HIS BENEFITS
Ps 103 said not to forget His benefits. We are to meditate on His benefits, not on what isn't happening or even on the circumstances. We are to speak TO our mountain, not ABOUT it and call those things that be not as though they are. (Mt 17:20 & Rom 4:17)
So what ARE God's benefits as promised in Ps 103? Total Forgiveness (vs. 3) Healing (vs. 3) Redemption (vs. 4) Loving kindness (vs. 4) Mercy (vs.4) Satisfaction (vs. 5) Renewed youth (vs. 5) Righteousness (vs. 6) Justice (vs. 6) Revelation of His ways (vs. 7) Revelation of His acts (vs. 7) Mercy & Grace (vs. 8) Pity (vs. 13) Righteousness to our grandchildren (vs. 17) Angels that perform the voice of His word (vs. 20)
This alone can and should dispel every thought, every vain imagination, every lie, and all discouragement!
2 Corinthians 10:5
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
THE ENEMY IS AFRAID OF YOU!
Remember how the Lord encouraged Joshua with these words, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Josh 1:9) Then how God used Rahab to encourage Israel in Joshua 2:9-11, (and the Lord is telling you this right now!) "…I know that the LORD has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you (recall times past when the LORD has delivered you from the mouth of the lion and from the wicked kings who had you bound!) when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sidon and Og whom you utterly destroyed. "And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, HE IS GOD in heaven above AND on earth beneath!"
Can you see why the enemy is trying to get you to take yourself out of the race? He is afraid of you! He knows that your future is bright and that God is going to bless you tremendously!
BREAKTHROUGH IS RIGHT AROUND THE BEND!
How can we be discouraged after meditating on this? We MUST change our focus and replace the enemies' lies with God's truth and that can only be done by consecrating and communing with God and staying in his word! You must have a relationship with the Lord. The enemy is afraid of you because the LORD has shown Himself mighty on your behalf in the past and will do so again! Your breakthrough is right around the corner and the enemy knows it. He is trying to get you to believe his lies rather than God's truth. Lay all your burdens at the feet of Jesus and receive your breakthrough!
So DON'T quit, don't give up, and don't be discouraged! Keep your focus on the Lord, on His benefits, and on His goodness and faithfulness. Remember ALL of His benefits. The Lord's arm is NOT short that it cannot save!
PRAYER
Lord, we know that You alone are God and are well able to save us from our enemies and to bring Your promises to pass for us. We praise You for Your goodness and Your faithfulness. Thank You for shedding Your blood for us! Thank You for coming to the earth as a baby and doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. Thank You for forgiving ALL of our iniquities and healing ALL of our diseases. Thank You for redeeming us from destruction. Thank You for renewing our youth and our strength. Thank You that ALL things are working together for our good, even when we can't see it yet. Thank You that we CAN trust You. You WILL do what You have promised. You are not a man that You should lie! I will NOT give up. I will press on! I will serve you!
We bless You Lord. We praise You Lord. We trust You Lord.
In JESUS mighty name! Amen
Add comment
Comments