There are so many natural causes of discouragement; the list is endless. We are fallen and imperfect human beings, living in an imperfect world. We experience hardships, insults and attacks from people, failure in things we attempt, changes in our physical bodies, sins we give in to, and even foolish things we do. Sooner or later, something happens to everyone of us, to cause us to lose courage, confidence and enthusiasm.
DEMONIC ATTACKS
However, we also have an enemy whose agenda is to bring us down and destroy us, therefore, the cause of discouragement can also be an attack from a demonic spirit. The problem is that people are often unaware that their discouragement is coming from the spirit realm and so try to deal with it from the natural and mental realm.
John 10:10 TPT
“The thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow!”
Whilst Jesus wants us to experience fullness of life in spirit, soul and body, the enemy, on the other hand, comes to steal our blessings, kill our joy and destroy our purpose and destiny. He does this through deception , accusation and intimidation. If he can get us to become fearful and discouraged, half his job is done!
ELIJAH
This was what happened to the Elijah in 1 Kings 19. Elijah had just won a major victory for the Kingdom of God, by defeating, humiliating and executing the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. God had sent fire from heaven at Elijah’s request, causing the people to acknowledge Him as LORD and GOD! Elijah had also announced the end of the drought and the skies had opened to pour forth rain. Yet, something caused him to became so afraid and discouraged that he asked God to take his life. What happened?
1 Kings 19:1-4 NKJV
“[1] And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. [2] Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” [3] And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. [4] But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!””
Jezebel threatened to kill Elijah, and immediately, he was afflicted and gripped by the demonic spirits of fear and discouragement. Elijah was so terrified that he fled for his life; he went deep into the wilderness and became so discouraged and depressed that he asked God to take his life!
1 Kings 19:9-10 NKJV
“[9] And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” [10] So he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.””
Jezebel’s threat to kill Elijah was a demonic attack that clouded his judgement and undermined his zeal for the Lord and the victory that had been won. Not only did he experience fear, he felt alone and abandoned, and discouraged.
What happened to Elijah is not uncommon, especially, among ministers of the gospel. Often, when God has done something awesome for/with you, demonstrated His goodness and power and accomplished something great through your life; that is when the enemy shows up with lies, accusations and threats to cause you to be fearful and lose courage.
Therefore, the time to be most careful and watchful is when the Father has caused something good to happen in your life; that is the time when the enemy shows up! Suddenly, you are not so sure or confident and are questioning what God is doing or has done; suddenly, there’s a spirit of heaviness, you’re anxious and feel like quitting.
Actually, that is the time to keep your focus on the Lord and on His word and promises. This is not the time to succumb; it is the time to resist the enemy through the power of God’s word, which is the sword of the Spirit.
James 4:7 NKJV
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” AMEN!
For Further Reading: 1 Kings 19
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
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