“Discouragement is a killer.”
That was a comment that Kristi, from Create A Great Day, left after my post last week about pressing on towards our goals. She went on to say that we need to have a game plan for when discouragement hits. Kristi’s right. So let’s talk about that!
Many years ago I sat under a wonderful bible teacher, Evelyn, studying the book of Nehemiah when I learned a very important lesson that we should all learn. Nehemiah was a servant of the king when he heard that the walls of Jerusalem had been destroyed and the Israelites had no protection. After fasting, praying and approaching the king, Nehemiah left everything, his home and his comfy job, to take on the task of rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem.
In the process of working towards his goal, Nehemiah was mocked, ridiculed and questioned.
Newsflash: The Enemy’s tactics have not changed.
When you set goals, and pursue them diligently, I’m guessing that you hear the same discouraging remarks that Nehemiah heard. Check it out. See if this is familiar:
Strategies that the Enemy uses to discourage you:
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Questions your Goal –
What is this you are doing? (Neh. 2:19)
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Questions your Motive –
Are you rebelling? (Neh. 2:19)
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Sends People to Mock you-
Really? Do you think you will finish this?
You can’t finish that!
Do you think you can….? (Neh. 4:2-3)
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Tells You to Get a Reality Check!
Reminds you that you won’t make it this time – just like last time
Taunts you and tells you that what you are doing will not last…. (Neh. 4:3)
When the enemies saw that the Israelites were making progress they became angry and plotted together to “stir up trouble.” (Neh. 4:7)
And discouragement hit.
Overcome with the magnitude and the challenge of rebuilding a wall around the entire city, the people became discouraged. And discouragement kills.
But God!
This story is like a chess game and the Israelite’s next move won the game! They took their discouragement to their godly leader who pointed them to the God of heaven and earth. Nehemiah set guards at the “lowest points” that were “exposed.” And continued on to remind his people that “the Lord, who is great and awesome,” would fight for them.
Are you in a battle? For your marriage, your children, your loved ones? Hear these words and let them minister to you:
“Don’t be afraid..Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” (Neh. 4:14)
Soak that in.
The word of God is living and active. Utilize it like you would use a weapon against an intruder. Fight! Fight hard!
Nehemiah told the people to Remember the Lord…and fight! Keep your eyes set on your goal and fight! Remember who God is. He is with you.
The rest of Nehemiah’s story is pretty magnificent!
The Lord confused the enemy and the wall was rebuilt in record time. BUT… from the time of regrouping after the people were discouraged, the Israelites never put down their weapons – not even when they went for water.
What is your weapon to battle discouragement and real-life roadblocks? The bible says that the Word of God is sharper than a two edged sword (Heb 4:12)– When discouragement hits, we need to use God’s Word!
3 powerful ways to use God’s word as a weapon!
1. To Remind You who God is and His Devotion to You!
“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” (Gen 12:3)
More Verses: Jer. 1:19, Jer 15:20, Isa 41:10, 45:2, 49:25, 52:12, Psalm 37:4-5, Prov 20:22
2. To Remind you why you are pursuing your goal. What is your heart’s desire?
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7)
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)
3. Remind you that God is fighting for you
“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” (Deut. 3:22)
More Verses (Ex. 14:14, Deut. 1:30, 33:27 Judges 20:28, )
Then…
Stand firm and believe.
Check out Ephesians 6:10-18 on how to stand firm!
I hope these verses help you realize that your Daddy, the LORD God Almighty is on your side!! Battle discouragement with TRUTH.
We all get discouraged – it’s part of the journey. Stand firm friend!!!
If you’d like a printable for the 3 ways to use God’s word as a weapon just subscribe in the right sidebar above and I’ll zip it to you!
Have a blessed week and be encouraged!
If you’d like to linkup your articles here, please join in and visit the other bloggers to encourage them in their journey too!
Michele Morin says
Thanks, Char, for this encouragement to stay in the battle, to stay strong and engaged no matter what.
Blessings to you!
Char says
It requires some good focus and programming!! Have a great week Michele!
Crystal says
Excellent encouragement and call to action faith when we fell the battle is to difficult!
Char says
A good reminder for us all as we trek on thru!!! Hugs!!!
Sue Donaldson says
Words from others can be killing. Thoughts of inadequacy, the same. Remembering Who God is and what He’s given me to do – albeit small and seemingly inconsequential, is the KEY to stepping forward–no matter what, no matter who says otherwise. I just wrote out Prov. 16:3 on a bright green sticky note. Thanks for another great post, Char.
Char says
Hmmmm If God’s plan is suited uniquely for you, it cant be small or inconsequential. I get so excited to think that ANYTHING I do may have eternal value. I was listening to a preacher today who said a parking attendant pointed him in the direction of a church (one he didn’t want to go to) which lead to his first publishing of his book. We can’t discount anything!! How cool is that?! Have a blessed week Sue!
Joanne Viola says
Thanks Char, for this post. I am currently leading a group in the Hello Mornings study on Nehemiah so this was timely. Sharing it with my group.
Char says
Ahhh! That’s wonderful. The teaching has stuck with me for 20+ years and I sometimes hear, “The enemy’s tactic never change. He is not original.” And then I can see more clearly – and fight stronger! Have a great week Joanne!
Lyli @lylidunbar.com says
Girrrlll, you are on point with this post! YES! We are not unaware of his devices. #StandStrong #ArmorOn
(& be safe this week, Florida girl! Hugs)
Char says
Thanks Lyli! Stay safe from Irma my friend!! Love and Hugs!!!
Becky Hastings says
So often I forget that there is a battle going on. I just think it’s me or circumstances or life happening. But remembering that there is a spiritual battle, every minute, reminds me that I am a conqueror because I am in Christ! Amen!
Char says
Oh boy! There is a battle. And I, too, forget- too often!!
Susan Evans says
I love how you listed the strategies the enemy uses to discourage us. I have felt all of those strategies used against me recently! How interesting that the book of Nehemiah shows us how to overcome these aspects of spiritual warfare that come against us.
Char says
Thanks for reading Susan. It encourages me to see these truths that we can apply to today! Have a blessed week!
Jess says
What an encouraging post! I used to be in the military and I can attest to the fact that wherever we went, our weapon was always next to us- sleeping, eating, etc. Before I started my blog, God also told me to don His full armor because I was feeling the enemy feed thoughts of doubt into my mind. We definitely have to be active in the fight against the enemy, going to God as well as donning His armor. Thanks for sharing!
Char says
Thanks for sharing the practical application Jess! Good to know a real life example. Thanks for reading!
Emily Wierenga says
SUCH an encouragement for me today. Thank you.
Char says
Thanks for the encouragement Emily! Have a great week!!
Lindsey Zitzmann says
This is just what I needed today!! I’ve been going strong in a new mission/season of life– then, BAM!! Major discouragement hit! Thank-you so much for reminding me to FIGHT and never lay my weapon down.
Char says
Isn’t that cool?! They never put their weapons down!! I need it too!!
Donna Reidland says
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3) That verse really struck me in a fresh way. My husband was just talking about commitment at Bible study tonight. He made the comment that many times, as Christians, we aren’t really committed to doing what the Lord has called us to do. Without commitment it’s easy to get discouraged and knocked off track. There are definitely some things I need to renew my commitment to do and then totally commit them to Him!
Kristi says
Love how you encourage to stand on the truth of God’s word to combat discouragement! Such great tips!