Discouragement is a powerful downer. Satan often uses discouraging thoughts to keep us from doing what God has for us to do. Why invite a friend to church. A have invited them five times already and they have not come with me yet. No one seems to appreciate what I do, so why should I continue to do it?
What keeps us doing what God wants us to do when we are discouraged? We certainly cannot keep ourselves going through sheer will power. We need supernatural power! That is where God and the Holy Spirit come in.
When we believe in Jesus sends the Holy Spirit into our lives. That is huge! At times I need to be reminded that the power of the Holy Spirit lives within me. His power, living in us, empowers us to do what we cannot do for ourselves.
That power is a constant in our lives. He never sleeps. He never gets discouraged. He never gives up on us. That power brings with it hope and a vision of our future home in heaven.
I had a seminary professor who said something I try to never forget. Looking within and without will inevitably bring discouragement. Looking upward brings encouragement and hope of greater things to come. Look up my dear friends. Look Up!
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
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