Discouragement is another cunning and regular arrow of the enemy we must watch out for. It is the one single weapon that can bring down an entire army faster than any plague because it kills right from within.
Discouragement kills faith, reduces confidence, increases self doubt, kill ones morale, magnifies obstacles and ultimately kills hope. This is why Several times in scripture God encouraged any leader he appoints not to be discouraged because he knows they will face many things that will discourage them. Once they are discouraged, their faith is compromised and it will be hard for them to walk with Him (God).
This was exactly what stopped the first Israelites from possessing the land that God gave them. Consequently, they wasted extra 40years in the wilderness and lost a whole generation. Moses, while recanting the experience said:
Numbers 32:9–11 NLT says
[9] After they went up to the valley of Eshcol and explored the land, THEY DISCOURAGED THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL FROM ENTERING THE LAND THE LORD WAS GIVING THEM. [10] Then the Lord was very angry with them, and he vowed, [11] ‘Of all those I rescued from Egypt, no one who is twenty years old or older will ever see the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, for they have not obeyed me wholeheartedly.
Whenever you’re set to accomplish a goal or vision, be mindful that discouragement will come at one point or the other, but you must also make up your mind that you won’t fall for it. To discourage you, the enemy may stir up things that will make you to be sorrowful (Mathew 26:38), or instigate some person to desert you when you need them most (John 6:60,66; 2 Timothy 4:16) or magnify your present situation (Hebrews 12:1-2), etc.
Refuse to be discouraged because that marriage can still work again; that business can still thrive and become profitable again; that child can do well academically; your health will blossom again and your life can still be meaningful and fulfilling if you refused to be discouraged.
No matter which way the enemy comes, fix your eyes on the goal and refuse to be discouraged.
Posted by: Taiwo Divine
