In Conclusion…
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NKJV
“[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. [8] We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; [9] persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”
We conclude this series of teachings on overcoming discouragement by saying that although we may never encounter the challenges that the early Christians faced, including beatings and imprisonment; we still have plenty of opportunities to be discouraged — unfulfilled expectations of ourselves and from God and others, fatigue and demonic attacks, etc; resulting in times of indecision, change, betrayal, fear, anxiety, sickness, financial burdens, conflicts or loss.
However, in dealing with discouragement, we must always have a twofold goal – (1) to be able to prevent or minimise the frequency of discouragement in our lives, and (2) to learn to quickly get over each episode of discouragement. This requires us to grow in our dependence on God and the Holy Spirit.
As we grow in maturity, may we come to the place where we can truly navigate the complexities and challenges of life without allowing ourselves to be dragged down by the spirit of discouragement.
2 Corinthians 6:4-10 NLT
“[4] In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. [5] We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. [6] We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. [7] We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. [8] We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. [9] We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. [10] Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.”
CONCLUDING MY STORY
Since my recent episode of discouragement and the Father’s imposed season of rest, I have endeavoured to put the things we’ve discussed over these past couple of weeks into practice. My first strategy has been to commit everything into God’s hands and take things one day at a time.
Matthew 6:34 TPT
“Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.””
I decided to focus my attention and efforts on what is working and leave what is not working in God’s hands. I am also resting a bit more, although this is still a big area of challenge. The ministry is putting structures in place to shed off some of the burden of my responsibilities. This should help me become even more focused and productive in my service to Jesus Christ. The final verse from the hymn, “In HeavenlyLove Abiding” best describes where I am at now…
Green pastures are before me,
Which yet I have not seen;
Bright skies will soon be over me,
Where the dark clouds have been;
My hope I cannot measure,
My path to life is free;
My Saviour has my treasure,
And He will walk with me.
I hope you’ve been helped and blessed by these teachings. Maybe, you can also sit down and reflect on the lessons you’ve learnt and what changes you can make in your life to help you stay strong in the Lord. LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO YOU!!!
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)