What is discouragement?

  • A loss of confidence or enthusiasm; ( google search dictionary definition)
  • Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
  • Read Genesis chapter 3 when the enemy disguised as the serpent
  • Genesis 3:13-14: Then the Lord God said to the women, “what is this you have done?” 14- the woman said,” the serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

3 Ways the enemy discourages us

  1. He points out our weaknesses to make us question ourselves in what we are doing

  2. Phillippians 4:7:And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

  3. He physically does things in our day to overwhelm us and to support what he is whispering to us.

  4. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, 17: Pray continually, 18-Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus

  5. He moves us away from Christ, He makes us second guess our faith and hope in Christ

  6. 1 Thessalonians 5:24: The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

  7. Mark 9:23-24: “If you can?” Said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24: Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me with my unbelief!”

What did I do to overcome this discouragement

  1. I needed to stop for a moment and really think about what I was allowing myself to think, and come up with facts to the statements I was making to myself (the enemies voice)
  2. Philippians 1:9-10: And this is my prayer: That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and my be pure and blameless for the day of Christ

  3. Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in al your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

  4. Ask God for his help

  5. Matthew 21: 22: “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

  6. Psalm 16:8: I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

  7. Just do it.

  8. 1 Peter 1: 14-16: As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: “ Be holy, because I am holy.”

  9. Proverbs 10:4: Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.

Encouragement from Christ

  • 2 Chronicles 16:9: For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
  • Zephaniah 3:17: The Lord your God is with you, the mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you. But will rejoice over you with singing.”
  • Ephesians 5:10: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his might power.
  • Ephesians 5:12: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
  • Philippians 1:6: being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

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