Yesterday I was discouraged. The specific reasons are not important. I’m not sure I could identify the reasons for my discouragement. Today, I’m encouraged. That’s the important point. The issue? What transferred me from the state of discouragement to the right realm of the encouraged children of God? What changed me from thinking I can’t do it anymore to being sure I can?
Two things made the difference: Time with my Lord and time with my friends. I spent some time with God. David Jeremiah’s teaching this morning which I listen to each Wednesday morning was about the Giant of Discouragement. Isn’t it wonderful how the Lord will provide just the word you need at the times you need them. But Satan tried to keep me from that help. I overslept this morning and was late heading to my Wednesday morning men’s meeting. So I missed the teaching. But my friends pointed it out and I listened to it later.
I also spent time with my friends. I can’t emphasize enough the important of spending quality time with fellow believers. Not just sitting in a crowd, but sitting around a table, praying and listening and talking. I found out I wasn’t the only one dealing with discouragement. That’s encouraging. One of the biggest problems with the giants in our lives, is that Satan has us believing that we are the only ones struggling with a particular giant. Just knowing we are now alone or different, is a great encouragement.
I hope these simple facts will be an encouragement to you: I was also discouraged. I found encouragement in the words of my Lord and the words of my brothers.
Be encouraged and be blessed.
Nick
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