Battling Through Discouragement
It seems there's plenty of opportunity for discouragement these days with all the challenges we face in the world and in our society. Life can feel like a battle. Thankfully, God is faithful! For this week's devotional, church member Chuck Weiskircher shares some scripture and offers us an encouraging word.
Haggai 1:3-5 “Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways.”
Nehemiah 4:3 “Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, "What they are building--even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!"”
God’s people have been battling through discouragement since life began. Life is short and filled with disappointments and people who will try to bring you down or tell you that you are wasting your time working for God. Sometimes God uses these circumstances to draw you closer to Himself as you seek His will and His way to go from where you are. Sometimes God wants you to change directions because He knows what disaster lies in your current direction so He sets up discouraging circumstances to get you to change directions. God wants you to think about or “Give careful thought to your ways” daily so that you can stay on track.
Also you should know that He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. God is for you and no one can stand against our God.
Genesis 28:15 “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Isaiah 41:9-11 “I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. "All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.”
Matthew 28:18-20 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."”
We should remember how God has helped us in the past and know that He will help us today and again tomorrow. Therefore, let us all go forward in life in the strength of the Lord our God. We are His people and He is with us. Nothing will come into our lives unless it is allowed by our God. Let us boldly proclaim the message God has given to us to share with the world as we make disciples and teach them to obey the Lord’s commandments. People will oppose you; trying to discourage you by their words or deeds. You may even be the victim of physical assault but, God is for you and with you, even unto the end of your life. Jesus has been given all authority and He has directed us to use it to accomplish His work.
Chuck Weiskircher