OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT (5):
Causes Of Discouragement (3)

When we hear God’s word and promises, we often interpret and process them through our own thoughts, understanding, expectations and timeframes; then we get disappointed and discouraged when our expectations are not met.

2. The Expectations We Have From God (2)

The story below is a perfect example of someone who misinterpreted God’s instructions, resulting in discouragement. The author is anonymous, but the lessons are fantastic.

PUSH AGAINST THE ROCK

A man was asleep one night in his cabin when, suddenly, his room filled with light; Jesus appeared to him and told him that He had work for him to do. The Lord then showed him a large rock outside his cabin and instructed him to go out and push against the rock with all his might, each day.

The man was obedient and for days, toiled from sunup to sundown, his shoulder set squarely against the cold massive surface of the rock, pushing with all his might. Each night he would return to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling his whole day had been wasted and spent in vain, because the rock never shifted.

Discouragement began to set in, as the rock remained in its place unmoved, no matter how hard he pushed it. The enemy began to place thoughts in his mind, “You’re never going to move it!” “You are a failure,” “You’ve failed God;” giving the man the impression the task was impossible and that he had failed in his assignment.

Discouraged and disheartened the man began to think, “Why should I kill myself?” “There’s no point in doing this.” I’ll just do as little as I can because there’s nothing more that I can do.” And with that, he ease up in his efforts.

However, one day, very depressed, he decided to take his troubles to God, and said, “Lord, I have labored hard and long, putting forth all my strength to push the rock, like You asked me to. Yet after all this time, I have not been able to move the rock even half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?”

The Lord responded compassionately, “My dear one, I asked you to push against the rock with all your strength daily, and that you have done faithfully. However, never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move the rock. Your task was to push and not to move it; this is because the purpose of the assignment is not to move the rock, but to build you up.”

The Lord continued, “Look at yourself. Your arms are now strong and muscled; your back sinewed and brown. Your hands are tough from constant pressure and your legs have become massive, hard and strong. Through the resistance you have grown much and your ability now far surpasses that which you used to have. I called you to be obedient and push, and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom, and this you have done.”

The man turned and examining himself, saw how much his muscles had developed and how strong his body had become. He then realised and understood that he had become discouraged and almost given up because his expectations were different from God’s intentions.

This is what often happens to us. Though we are eager to obey and please God, we don’t take time to seek His face to gain understanding of His instructions and intentions. Then we get discouraged when things don’t go as expected.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
“[5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” AMEN!!!

Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]

Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)