A Word of Encouragement
Cheryl DeBose
Discouragement is a powerful tool of the enemy. It can stop you dead in your tracks. When we're discouraged and downcast, we look at our circumstances and say, "this will not work; it cannot work. I have no strength to do this. I have run out of gas. I'm no longer motivated. I have nothing left to give so I'll just give up. Let someone else do it." No! Don't look at your circumstances and don't trust your fickle feelings. Feelings are not always trustworthy. Feelings don't always reflect the truth as revealed in God's Word. Look up! God is greater! God did not call someone else. He called you!
Remember this is His work. It is not about us. We are working in and for His Kingdom and Kingdom purposes. It is for His glory. We labor for Him. As women of God, we are more than conquerors thru Him who loves us (Rom 8:37). We are fully equipped, completely gifted and hard-wired to accomplish all the goals and tasks He has set before us. Don't let the enemy fill you with fear. Don't believe his lie that you can't. Yes you can! God is able!
Let's look for a moment at 1 Kings 18 and 19. Elijah had a great victory over the prophets of the false god, Baal. Then Jezebel sent word to Elijah that she planned to kill him. He looked at his circumstances and ran for the hills. But God had plans for Elijah. He was not done with him. He sent an angel to strengthen him and feed him. Elijah walked for 40 days on that one meal and received his next assignment from the Lord. At times of discouragement, God has spiritual "food" do us to strengthen and encourage us; "food" that can cause us to continue on the journey and receive our next assignment.
How can we combat discouragement?
First, recognize that it is not from God and it has no place in the life od a Christian; not for long anyway.
2. Pray
We cannot neglect our prayer life when we're discouraged. That is exactly what he enemy would have you do. God has an assignment for you. k Him for revelation of His will in you circumstances. Pray that the gifts of the Holy Spirit will be evident in your walk.
3. Scripture
Read and pray the Word of God. Encourage yourself in the power of His might. Rom 8:31 says, "If God is for us, who can be against us".
Reads Ps 138:7, Phil 4:6-8; 2 Cor 4:8-9; Phil 1:6; Gal 6:9; Ps 27:1-14;Heb 10: 35,36
4. Prayer partners
The enemy loves to keep us in isolation because we're so ineffective when we're alone. God created us to be in relationship. Turn to your believing friends. The women of Aglow are praying women who will understand how you feel because we've all been there.
Ladies, God loves you. He had your best interest in mind when he placed you where you are today. Do not be discouraged and do not be afraid. Our God is just a prayer away.
My personal prayer for you comes from Rom 15: 5,6
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ".
