EPISODE 995 – DON’T ENTERTAIN DISCOURAGEMENT

DON’T ENTERTAIN DISCOURAGEMENT 

“so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.”

2 Corinthians 2:11 (ESV)

The teaching of God’s word is one of His defense systems for the faith of the believer.

You are established in God’s word and protected from the schemes of the adversary through teaching.

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.“ Philippians 3:1 (KJV)

Ignorance is the major challenge of most believers. And through this discussion, you shall receive light to continuously exercise your victory. I write these things to keep you reminded of ways to enforce your victory and not become prey to the enemy.

The level of your mindset is a reflection of your knowledge and understanding.

A believer must not be ignorant of the devices or schemes of the devil. These projectiles we are discussing will help you identify the subtle workings of the devil so that you can rightly resist him.

After David and his men returned to Ziklag, they were disappointed to see the place invaded and the women who were there captured by the Amalekites.

David and His mighty soldiers wept till they had no power to weep. This disappointment led to discouragement, great distress and grief. 

As I mentioned in the previous episode, disappointment may seem harmless but can destroy a believer’s confidence. 

No matter the disappointment and discouragement, the solution is still the same — TURN TO THE LORD.

Discouragement is the adversary’s weapon. It weakens your strength and makes the ability of God at work in you ineffective. Discouragement tames your enthusiasm, momentum, and strength to pursue a great course.

Discouragement blinds you from seeing possibility. It makes you give up and leave you to wallow in defeat. This is where the devil wants you.

Refuse to be discouraged no matter the situation. Learn to encourage yourself in the Lord.

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)

One way to deal with discouragement is to look away from the challenge or disappointment and look unto the Lord. Set your mind on the reality that the Lord is with you and all things are possible with Him.

Now instead of weeping, David enquired of the Lord and had great victory.

“And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David. And David enquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all” 1 Samuel 30:7-8 (KJV)

This word of the Lord stirred up more confidence in David’s heart and he had great victory.

“And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives. And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all. And David took all the flocks and the herds, which they drave before those other cattle, and said, This is David’s spoil.” 1 Samuel 30:18-20 (KJV)

Beloved, you have a greater life than those disappointments. Get up, be encouraged and get to work. Enforce the victory you have in the Lord.

Selah.