How to break through discouragement (3)
2020-11-13Nehemiah 4:14 NIV
The third thing we can do to break through discouragement is: Fight a gloomy outlook. Attitude is a little thing, but it can make a big difference. Having a talent for what we’re doing is important, but being talented won’t always carry us through the challenging times. But if we also have enthusiasm for what we’re doing, we’re less likely to be discouraged when we come across problems. And if we really, really, really believe that God is on our side, we’ll be able to be optimistic even in the face of overwhelming obstacles and discouragement.
In the Old Testament, a group of former slaves were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. On top of the difficult and strenuous work involved, they were also facing attacks from enemies at the same time. It would have been understandable if they’d become too discouraged to continue, but their leader, Nehemiah, encouraged them not to surrender to discouragement: ‘Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families…and your homes.’ They ended up completing the wall in just 52 days.
One of Satan’s favourite weapons is discouragement. He knows we can never be defeated unless we’re defeated in our thinking and forget that God is working for us. But we have the power to overcome the devil and his discouragement. The Bible says, ‘Give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you’ (James 4:7 NCV). We all experience fatigue, frustration, failure, and fear. But by standing on God’s promises and drawing on His strength, we can choose to fight and stand against discouragement.