Bible Reading: Hebrews 3:12-14
We can all become discouraged with the apparent lack of growth in our spiritual life or limited
results of our Christian service, especially when things don't progress as hoped for or expected, when doors seem to close or refuse to open, or when there is little or no response to the spiritual seeds we plant.
However, there are some things that can help us combat discouragement.
The first thing to remember is that you are God's treasure. You belong to Him. When you accepted Jesus into your heart and life, you became His treasure. He gave you His Holy Spirit to help you and to teach you. He has a plan for your spiritual growth. He promised to teach you so you could grow in your faith. He promised to teach you so you could grow in your faith. Take time everyday to read the Bible, God will speak to you through it.
The next thing to remember is that God has a plan for you. God has given you a job or ministry to do. He has given you gifts and talents to use as you serve Him and minister to other people. God wouldn't have given you that job or ministry if He didn't know that, with His help, you were capable of doing that job.
Third, you don't have to go through life alone. God has given you Christian brothers and sisters to help you and encourage you and part of the Holy Spirit's function in your life is to comfort and sustain you. God won't let you down. You can depend on Him. God has the power to overcome any earthly block or limitation to our spiritual growth or ministry.
Fourth, in addition to God's word, God has given us prayer – the ability to talk to Him, to tell Him about our needs and our struggles. Go to God daily, if not more often. Staying in continual communication with God is one of the best ways to fight off discouragement.
Finally, watch for signs of discouragement among your family, friends, and co-workers. remember, according to Hebrews 3:13 it is our responsibility to "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your encouragement. Help me to encourage those around me. In Jesus' name. Amen.