C. BOSTIAN HOW TO OVERCOME 4/4/06
DISCOURAGEMENT:
[S]Neh. 4:6-21 (MsgB)
We kept at it, repairing and rebuilding the wall. The whole wall was soon joined together and halfway to its intended height because the people had a heart for the work. [7] When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairs of the walls of Jerusalem were going so well—that the breaks in the wall were being fixed—they were absolutely furious. [8] They put their heads together and decided to fight against Jerusalem and create as much trouble as they could. [S][9] We countered with prayer to our God and set a round-the-clock guard against them. [10] But soon word was going around in Judah, The builders are pooped, the rubbish piles up; We're in over our heads, we can't build this wall. [11] And all this time our enemies were saying, "They won't know what hit them. Before they know it we'll be at their throats, killing them left and right. That will put a stop to the work!" [12] The Jews who were their neighbors kept reporting, "They have us surrounded; they're going to [S]attack!" If we heard it once, we heard it ten times. [13] So I stationed armed guards at the most vulnerable places of the wall and assigned people by families with their swords, lances, and bows. [14] After looking things over I stood up and spoke to the nobles, officials, and everyone else: "Don't be afraid of them. Put your minds on the Master, great and awesome, and then fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes." [15] Our enemies learned that we knew all about their plan and that [S]God had frustrated it. And we went back to the wall and went to work. [16] From then on half of my young men worked while the other half stood guard with lances, shields, bows, and mail armor. Military officers served as backup for everyone in Judah who was at work rebuilding the wall. [17] The common laborers held a tool in one hand and a spear in the other. [18] Each of the builders had a sword strapped to his side as he worked. I kept the trumpeter at my side to sound the alert. [19] Then I spoke to the nobles and officials and everyone else: [S]"There's a lot of work going on and we are spread out all along the wall, separated from each other. [20] When you hear the trumpet call, join us there; our God will fight for us." [21] And so we kept working, from first light until the stars came out, half of us holding lances.
[S] WE ARE GOING TO LEARN ABOUT FOUR CAUSES FOR DISCOURAGEMENT AND FOUR THINGS WE CAN DO TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT FROM THIS PASSAGE IN NEHEMIAH. HOW MANY OF YOU KNOW THAT IF YOU CAN DETERMINE WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM THEN USUALLY YOU CAN FIND A SOLUTION. SO WE’RE GONNA LOOK AT SOME PRACTICAL WAYS TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT. FIRST OF ALL LET’S DEFINE THE WORD DISCOURAGEMENT:
[S] DISCOURAGEMENT DEFINED
1. The act of disheartening, or depriving of courage; the act of deterring or dissuading from an undertaking; the act of depressing confidence.
THE FIRST THING I WANT TO SAY IS THAT [S] DISCOURAGEMENT IS UNIVERSAL. EVERYBODY NO MATTER WHAT THEIR RACE, COLOR OR STATUS IS IN LIFE, EVERYBODY FACES DISCOURAGEMENT. FROM THE HOUSEWIFE TO THE CEO OF A FORTUNE 500 COMPANY EVERYBODY IS CONFRONTED WITH DISCOURAGEMENT. DISCOURAGEMENT ITS ONE OF THE ENEMY’S MAJOR WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION AGAINST HUMANITY.
[S]It was advertised that the devil was going to put his
tools up for sale. On the date of the sale, the tools were placed for public
inspection; each tool being marked with its sale price. Hatred, Envy, Jealousy,
Deceit, Lying, Pride, And so on....WERE ALL ON DISPLAY
NOW Laid apart from the rest was a harmless looking tool, it was well worn and
priced very high. "What is the name of this tool?" asked one of the
shoppers?
"OH, That’S Discouragement, replied the devil.
"Why DO YOU have it priced so high?"
"Because it is more useful to me than ALL the others.? I can pry open and
get inside a man's heart with that, when I cannot get near him with my other
tools. Once I get inside, I can make him do what I choose. It ‘s badly worn
because I use it on almost everyone, since very few people know that it belongs
to me.
[S] NOW, AS A PASTOR OR LEADER YOU MIGHT BE MORE OF A TARGET FOR DISCOURAGMENT BECAUSE OF TWO RELATING REASONS: [S] 1. BECAUSE OF YOUR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE (PEOPLE WILL FOLLOW THE LEADER) AND [S] 2. BECAUSE DISCOURAGEMENT IS HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS. IF YOU COME TO CHURCH DISCOURAGED IT WILL AFFECT YOUR LEADERSHIP TEAM AND PERMEATE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE CHURCH. SO WE HAVE GOT TO LEARN HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT BEFORE IT SPREADS.
ITS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE AND OVERCOME DISCOURAGE-MENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE DISCOURAGEMENT IS HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS. IT DOESN’T TAKE YOU TOO LONG TO BE AROUND SOMEONE WHO IS DISCOURAGED BEFORE YOU START FEELING THAT WAY YYOURSELF. SO WE HAVE GOT TO LEARN HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT BEFORE IT SPREADS IN OUR HOME, AT WORK OR AT CHURCH.
[S]Deut. 1:21 (KJV)
Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.
Joshua 1:9 (MsgB)
Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take."
[S]1 Thes. 3:2 (MsgB)
and sent Timothy to get you up and about, cheering you on so you wouldn't be discouraged by these hard times. He's a brother and companion in the faith, God's man in spreading the Message, preaching Christ.
NOW LISTEN, EVERYBODY EXPERIENCES PERIODIC TIMES OF DISCOURAGEMENT. IT COULD BE FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS, A COUPLE OF DAYS OR EVEN A PROLONGED SEASON OF DISCOURAGEMENT. I’VE GONE THROUGH TWO MAJOR CRISIS IN MINISTRY. ONE WAS DURING A SUDDEN PASTORAL CHANGE AND THE OTHER WAS THE RESULT OF A DRAMTIC DOWNSIZING AND THE DISCOURAGEMENT LASTED FOR OVER 9 MONTHS. [S]BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT YOU CAN OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT WHEN YOU RESPOND TO IT IN A BIBLICAL WAY.
SO HERE IN NEH. 4 I’M GONNA GIVE YOU 4 CAUSES FOR DISCOURAGEMENT AND 4 WAYS TO MAKE THE RIGHT BIBLICAL RESPONSE TO DISCOURAGEMENT.
[S]Neh 4:9-10 (TLB)
9 But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves. 10 Then some of the leaders began complaining that the workmen were becoming tired; and there was so much rubble to be removed that we could never get it done by ourselves.
[S]THE FIRST MAJOR CAUSE FOR DISCOURAGEMENT IS FATIGUE. THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL HAD RETURNED WITH SUCH ENTHUSIASM AND HAD WORKED SO HARD TO REBUILD THE WALL THAT BY THE TIME THEY WERE HALF FINISHED THEY HAD EXHAUSTED ALL OF THEIR ENERGY AND BECAME DISCOURAGED AND WERE READY TO QUIT. LISTEN TO WHAT ROY WILLIAMS SAYS: [S]“REST IS UNDER SEIGE IN AMERICA TODAY. WORK AND ENTRTAINMENT HAS PLACED A BOUNTY ON ITS HEAD. SO WE TRADE REST FOR MOVIE TICKETS, CAREER ADVANCEMENT, LITTLE LEAGUE GAMES AND TRAFFIC JAMS. AS A RESULT WE ARE FRAZZELED, FRANTIC, SHORT TEMPERED AND DISSATISFIED.” THAT’S WHAT EXHAUSTION BRINGS. THEY HAD WORKED A LONG TIME AT REBUILDING THE WALL AND THEY WERE PHYSICALLY EXHAUSTED. WHEN YOU ARE PHYSICALLY EXHAUSTED ITS HARD TO BE PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY AND SPIRITUAL UP. MY COUNSEL TO A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH DISCOURAGEMENT IS GO TO BED AND GET SOME REST!
GOD TOOK A PROPHET NAMED ELIJAH IN I KINGS 19 WHO WAS SO DISCOURAGED THAT HE EVEN WANTED TO DIE. HE DIDN’T GO TO DR. PHIL, HE DIDN’T NEED SPECIAL COUNSELLING OR DRUGS OR HAVE HANDS LAID ON HIM AT THE ALTAR, ALL HE NEEDED WAS TO GO TO SLEEP. SO GOD MADE HIM GO TO SLEEP, WAKE UP AND HAVE A MEAL AND GO BACK TO SLEEP AGAIN AND HAVE ANOTHER MEAL AND GO IN THE STRENGTH OF THAT REST AND FOOD FOR 40 DAYS AND WAS THEN RECOMMISSIONED BY GOD. YOU SEE, SOMETIMES ALL YOU NEED TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT IS PROLONGED REST. (INSOMNIA MOVIE FACT)
[S]VINCE LAMBARDI, FORMER COACH OF THE GREEN BAY PACKERS WRITES: “FATIGUE MAKES COWARDS OF US ALL.” ITS AMAZING HOW MUCH BETTER THINGS LOOK AND HOW IMPROVED OUR PERSPECTIVE IS AFTER A GOOD NIGHT OF SLEEP. EVEN FARMERS KNOW THAT YOU NEED TO GIVE YOUR LAND REST IF YOU WANT TO INCREASE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY. THE SAME THING IS TRUE IN OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES. [S]DR. FREDRICK W. TAYLOR IN 1898 WROTE ABOUT HIS REASEARCH IN THE WORK PLACE: “THAT PEOPLE PRODUCE MORE IF THEY HAVE PERIODIC SHORT BREAKS.” THAT’S WHERE THE COFFEE BREAK ORIGINATED.
[S]Joshua 14:8 (MsgB)
My companions who went with me discouraged the people, but I stuck to my guns, totally with God, my God.
[S]NOW WHEN DOES FATIGUE AND DISCOURAGEMENT SET IN? VERSE 6 TELLS US: At last the wall was completed to half its original height around the entire city-- for the workers worked hard. THEY GOT HALF DONE BUILDING THE WALL AND THEY WERE TIRED. EVERYBODY HAS STRENGTH, ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM WHEN YOU BEGIN A NEW PROJECT, A FUND RAISER OR A DREAM, A PURPOSE OR A DESTINY. BUT AFTER THE NOVELTY WEARS OFF AND YOU ARE CONFRONTED WITH SOME OBSTICALES PEOPLE GET TIRED AND HAVE A TENDENCY TO BECOME DISCOURAGED AND QUIT. YOU WORK HARD TO CLIMB A HIGH MOUNTAIN ONLY TO GET HALF WAY UP. YOU LOOK DOWN AND THEN BACK UP AGAIN AND YOU GET DISCOURAGED AND YOU’RE READY TO QUIT. FATIGUE COMES AT THE MID POINT AND IT CAN HAPPEN IN LIFE. THAT’S WHAT THEY CALL A MID-LIFE CRISIS. IT CAN HAPPEN IN A MARRIAGE OR A CAREER MOVE OR IN AN EFFORT TO GO TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF SUCCESS. ITS NOT ABNORMAL, IN FACT, IT’S NORMAL AND ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS GET SOME REST. SO FATIGUE COMES AT THE HALF WAY POINT WHICH IS WHY SO FEW PEOPLE COMPLETE WHAT THEY START.
[S]2. THE NEXT CAUSE FOR DISCOURAGEMENT IN NEH.4 IS FRUSTRATION AND DISSAPPOINTMENT.
[S]Neh 4:10
10 Then some of the leaders began complaining that the workmen were becoming tired; and there was so much rubble to be removed that we could never get it done by ourselves.
THEY’VE BEEN WORKING REAL HARD AT BUILDING THE WALL AND THEIR TIRED AND INSTEAD OF THE RUBBLE DIMINISHING IT JUST KEEPS PILING UP. HAVE YOU EVER TIED TO FIX A PROBLEM AT HOME OR AT WORK OR IN CHURCH AND THE MORE YOU PRAY ABOUT IT AND WORK AT FIXING IT THE MORE THE RUBBLE PILES UP. SO YOU BECOME FRUSTRATED AND YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT AND YOU BECOME DISCOURAGED. THE HARDWORK AND PRAYER YOU HAVE DONE DID NOT PRODUCE THE RETURN YOU WERE LOOKING FOR IN THE TIME FRAME YOU HAD EXPECTED SO NOT ONLY ARE YOU FRUSTRATED BUT YOU’RE ALSO DISSAPPOINTED. FRUSTRATION AND DISSAPPOINTMENT ARE ANOTHER MAJOR CAUSE FOR DISCOURAGEMENT. BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT GOD HAS A SOLUTION.
[S]3. THE THIRD CAUSE FOR DISCOURAGEMENT IS FAILURE.
[S]Neh 4:10 (NIV)
10 Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, "The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall."
THEY WERE UNABLE TO FINISH THE WALL IN THE TIME THEY HAD SET SO THEY HAD FAILED TO REACH THEIR INTENDED GOAL. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN THERE IN LIFE, IN YOUR WORK OR IN YOUR MARRIAGE OR IN YOUR WALK WITH GOD? WHEN YOU CAN’T FINISH SOMETHING AS QUICKLY AS YOU THOUGHT, YOUR CONFIDENCE GOES DOWN, YOU LOOSE HEART AND BECOME DISCOURAGED AND QUIT. WHEN YOU QUIT AT ANYTHING IN LIFE, YOU FAIL. WE RECENTLY FINISHED A SERIES ON TURNING FAILURE INTO SUCCESS AND WE LEARNED THAT A RIGHTEOUS MAN CAN FALL 7 TIMES IN ONE DAY AND THAT HE CAN GET BACK UP AGAIN 7 TIMES. SO IN YOUR PURSUIT TO GO TO THAT NEXT LEVEL OF SUCCESS IN YOUR BUSINESS, YOUR MARRIAGE OR IN YOUR CAREER YOU MAY MEET WITH SOME OBSTICALES, SETBACKS, DETOURS THAT LOOK AND FEEL A LOT LIKE FAILURE.
[S]Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end.-- Denis Waitley
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.-- Marilyn vos Savant
Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently. ~Henry Ford
HOW DO YOU REACT TO FAILURE? HOW DO YOU RESPOND WHEN YOUR PLANS COLLAPSE AND THINGS DO NOT HAPPEN IN THE TIME FRAMED YOU HAD PLANNED OR YOU DON’T MEET YOUR ORIGINAL GOAL? DO YOU GIVE IN TO SELF-PITY AND BLAME YOURSELF? DO YOU BLAME OTHER PEOPLE OR DO YOU JUST START COMPLAINING LIKE THEY DID IN NEH.4: ITS TOO HARD, WE’VE WORKED TO LONG TO ONLY BE HALF DONE. IT’S GONNA BE IMPOSSIBLE TO FINISH THIS PROJECT. PRETTY SOON YOU’VE JUST TALKED YOURSELF INTO QUITTING. YOU SEE, WINNERS SEE FAILURE AS A TEMPORARY SETBACK. [S]THE GREAT NBA STAR BILL RUSSELL SAID: “WINNERS NEVER QUIT WHEN THEIR IN A SLUMP THEY JUST KEEP ON AND RIDE IT OUT.” TIGER WOODS HAS JUST GONE THROUGH A SLUMP AND SO DO MANY OTHER PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES BUT THEY JUST KEEP AT IT UNTIL THINGS TURN AROUND. THE HOMERUN SLUGGER, BABE RUTH WAS THE LEAGUE LEADER IN STRIKE OUTS (FAILURES AT BAT) DURING HIS CAREER AND YET WE CONSIDER HIM TO BE ONE OF THE BEST. WALT DISNEY WAS FIRED FROM AN ADVERTISING AGENCY FOR LACK OF CREATIVITY BUT HE DIDN’T GIVE UP AND QUIT. THOMAS EDISON DIDN’T GIVE UP AFTER THE 9,999TH ATTEMPT TO MAKE THE INCADECENT LIGHT BULB AND AREN’T YOU GLAD CAUSE WE’RE ENJOYING THE BENEFITS OF IT THIS MORNING. YOU BECOME DISCOURAGED WHEN YOU FAIL BUT YOU DON’T BECOME A FAILURE UNTIL YOUR QUIT.
I WAS READING AN ARTICLE ON THE INTERNET ENTITLED: ‘IS FAILURE THE KEY TO SUCCESS.’ [S]THE PRESIDENT OF COKE A COLA SAID THE MOMENT YOU LET AVOIDING FAILURE BECOME YOUR MOTIVATOR YOU ARE GOING DOWN THE ROAD OF INACTIVITY. YOU CAN ONLY STUMBLE IF YOU ARE MOVING. IF YOU DON’T HAVE ENOUGH FAILURES THEN YOU’RE NOT TAKING ENOUGH CHANCES. NOBODY CAN BE RIGHT ALL THE TIME EVEN THE BIG COMPANIES AND BIG CHURCHES DON’T BECOME BIG BY PLAYING IT SAFE. DURING THE FORMATIVE YEARS OF EASTMAN KODAK, [S]GEORGE EASTMAN CRITICIZED AN ASSOCIATE IN ENGLAND FOR HIS OVERALL TIMIDITY AND LACK OF PROGRESS. YOU IN ENGLAND ARE TOO CAUTIOUS AND AFRAID OF MAKING MISTAKES. WE IN AMRERICA MAKE OUR MISTAKES AND STRAIGHTEN THEM OUT BEFORE YOU EVEN BEGIN TO MAKE THEM. HENRY FORD WENT BANKRUPT BEFORE HE BUILT THE MODEL T. THE SECRET SEEMS TO BE TO CHEERFULLY EMBRACE YOU FAILURE AND COUNT ON THE FUTURE SUCCESSES TO OUT WEIGH THEM. TAKE A CHANCE AND RISK FAILURE AND CHANGE SOMETHING THAT NEEDS CHANGED. LISTEN, YOU CAN LEARN FROM FAILURE AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO QUIT. EXPERIENCING FAILURE COULD BE THE KEY TO YOUR FUTURE SUCCESS SO DON’T BECOME DISCOURAGED WHEN YOU FAIL. SOMEONE ONCE SAID THAT [S]FAILURE IS NEVER FATAL UNLESS YOU QUIT. SO FAILURE IS ANOTHER MAJOR CAUSE FOR DISCOURAGEMENT BUT WHEN WE RESPOND TO IT IN A BIBLICAL WAY WE CAN TURN OUR FAILURE INTO SUCCESS.
[S]4. THE LAST CAUSE FOR DISCOURAGEMENT IS FEAR:
[S]Neh. 4:11 (MsgB)
And all this time our enemies were saying, "They won't know what hit them. Before they know it we'll be at their throats, killing them left and right. That will put a stop to the work!"
NOBODY LIKES TO BE CRITICIZED, THREATENED OR AFRAID. HERE WE SEE THE JEWS RIDICULED AND THREATENED BY THEIR ENEMIES. IN VERSE 12 WE READ: [S]Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, "Wherever you turn, they will attack us." IF YOU CONSTANTLY LIVE NEAR NEGATIVE PEOPLE AND CONSTANTLY LISTEN TO NEGATIVE THOUGHTS YOU’RE GONNA GET INFECTED WITH FEAR AND DISCOURAGEMENT. I CALL THEM BASEMENT PEOPLE. THESE PEOPLE ARE NEGATIVE, COMPLAINING AND THEIR AWAYS DEPRESSED AND SICK AND WALLOWING IN SELFPITY AND DESPAIR. THEY’RE CALLED BASEMENT PEOPLE. IF YOU SEE THEM IN THE STORE, RUN FROM THEM. BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS THEY’VE HAD FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS AND THEY ARE SURE TO BRING YOU DOWN. WHEN YOU ARE FACED WITH DISCOURAGEMNT AVOID BASEMENT PEOPLE.
[S]2 Tim. 1:6-7 (KJV)
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. [7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
[S] NOW HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR ARE BEING DISCOURAGED BY FEAR? BECAUSE YOU GET THIS INTENSE DESIRE TO RUN: I GOT TO GET OUT OF HERE, QUIT MY JOB, GET OUT OF MY MARRIAGE AND ESCAPE FROM THE DEMANDS AND THE PRESSURES OF LIFE. DON’T LET FEAR DICTATE YOUR FUTURE. RESPOND TO IT IN A BIBLICAL WAY AND YOU CAN FACE YOUR FEARS AND REACH ANOTHER LEVEL OF SUCCESS.
NOW WHAT IS THE FIRST THING THAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN YOU ARE ATTACKED WITH FEELINGS OF DISCOURAGEMENT? WE FIND WHAT NEH. DID IN VERSES:
[S]Neh 4:8-9(NIV)
8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. 9 But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
THE FIRST THING WE NEED TO DO TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT IS TO PRAY! YOU NEED TO PRAY IN ENGLISH [S] AND YOU NEED TO PRAY IN THE SPIRIT OR TO PRAY IN YOUR SPECIAL PRAYER LANGUAGE. THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT HE THAT PRAYS IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE EDIFIES OR BUILDS HIMSELF UP. SO WHENEVER YOU ARE ATTACKED WITH DISCOURAGEMENT PRAY, CRY OUT TO GOD, POUR OUT YOUR HEART BEFORE HIM AND PRAY IN THE SPIRIT FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME.
[S]1 Cor. 14:4 (KJV)
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself;
1 Cor. 14:4 (MsgB)
The one who prays using a private "prayer language" certainly gets a lot out of it and is strengthened and encouraged by it…
[S]Psalm 34:17 (KJV)
The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and deliveres them out of all their troubles.
[S]Psalm 62:5-8 (KJV)
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. [6] He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. [7] In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. [8] Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
[S] WHEN YOU ARE ATTACKED WITH DISCOURAGEMENT IT IS ENEVITABLY TIED IN TO ONE OF THESE 4 CAUSES: FATIGUE, FRUSTRATION, FAILURE OR FEAR.
WE HAVE AN ENEMY THAT WANTS YOU TO QUIT AND HE USES DISCOURAGEMENT AS ONE OF HIS MAJOR WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION AGAINST HUMANITY. SO, NEXT WEEK WE WILL LEARN HOW TO OVERCOME ALL OF THESE ATTACKS OF DISCOURAGEMENT. [S] BUT, THE FIRST THING YOU NEED TO DO WHEN DISCOURAGEMENT HITS IS TO PRAY. GO TO THE THRONE BEFORE YOU GO TO THE PHONE. Look to god first before you turn to your friends and associates for advise and help. AND REMEMBER TO PRAY IN THE SPIRIT!
[S]now here’s god’s answer for discouragement:
NOW WHAT IS THE FIRST THING THAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN YOU ARE ATTACKED WITH FEELINGS OF DISCOURAGEMENT? WE FIND WHAT NEH. DID IN VERSES:
[S] Neh 4:8-9(NIV)
8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. 9 But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
[S] 1. THE FIRST THING WE NEED TO DO TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT IS TO PRAY! YOU NEED TO PRAY IN ENGLISH AND YOU NEED TO PRAY IN TONGUES. THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT HE THAT PRAYS IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE EDIFIES OR BUILDS HIMSELF UP. SO WHENEVER YOU ARE ATTACKED WITH DISCOURAGEMENT PRAY, CRY OUT TO GOD, POUR OUT YOUR HEART BEFORE HIM AND PRAY IN THE SPIRIT FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME.
[S] 1 Cor. 14:4 (MsgB)
The one who prays using a private "prayer language" certainly gets a lot out of it and is strengthened and encouraged by it…
THE FIRST THING YOU NEED TO DO WHEN DISCOURAGEMENT HITS IS TO PRAY AND ESPECIALLY PRAY IN THE SPIRIT.
when discouragement is caused by fatigue: (how simple this is,) rest your body!
[S]Psalm 127:2 (KJV)
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Psalm 127:2 (MsgB)
It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?
[S] Prov 3:24-26
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.
THE FIRST THING NEH. DID WAS TO GIVE THE PEOPLE SOME REST. HE ACTUALLY DECLARED SOME HOLIDAYS FOR THE WORKERS. I’VE HEARD BUSINESS LEADERS BRAG ON NEVER TAKING A VACATION AND I WANT TO SAY YOU’RE A FOOL. YOU ARE VIOLATING SCRIPTURES THAT ARE GIVEN TO US IN THE BIBLE AND YOU’RE HEADED STRAIGHT FOR BURNOUT. DR. ROY WILLIAMS WRITES: WE HAVE TOO MANY CHOICES IN AMERICA TODAY AND TOO LITTLE TIME. OVER-CHOICE NOT ONLY KEEPS AMERICANS AVERAGE IT MAKES US TIRED. WE DELUDE OURSELVES INTO THINKING WE CAN MAKE TIME FOR EVERYTHING. WE WILL QUIT FEELING TIRED WHEN WE SAY NO TO OVER-CHOICES AND ACCEPT THE FACT THAT WE CAN’T DO EVERYTHING BY OURSELVES AND LEARN TO SAY NO.
Isaiah 55:2 (KJV)
Wherefore do ye spend money for that which doesn’t matter? and your labour for that which satisfieth not?
YOU DON’T HAVE UNLIMTED TIME AND YOU DON’T HAVE UNLIMITED RESOURCES. GOD MADE YOU WITH ENOUGH RESOURCE TO DO HIS WILL FOR YOUR LIFE. ITS POSSIBLE TO SPEND YOUR TIME AND MONEY ON NONPRODUCTIVE THINGS THAT ARE IN ADDITION TO YOUR PURPOSE AND COME UP SHORT AND BURN OUT. THAT MEANS THAT I WILL HAVE THE NECESARRY VISON TO SEE WHAT IS IMPORTANT AND WHAT IS NOT IN THE PURSUIT OF MY GOALS IN LIFE. OTHERWISE WE WILL JUST BE AVERAGE IN AMERICA BECAUSE OF OVER-CHOICES AND WE THINK WE CAN CHOOSE EVERYTHING AND DO EVERYTHING AND WE CANNOT!
IN PHILLIPIANS 3 PAUL SAID. ‘THIS ONE THING I DO.’ HE DIDN’T HAVE A LOT OF THINGS, HE JUST HAD ONE MAJOR THING HE DID TO KEEP HIM FOCUSSED AND ON TRACT WITH THE STRENGTH AND ENERGY TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT AND FINISH WELL. VISION GIVES YOU THE ABILITY TO JUST SAY NO TO THINGS THAT WILL DRAIN YOUR RESOURCES AND TIME AND ARE NOT WHAT YOU WERE DESIGNED AND CREATED TO DO SO THAT YOU CAN FINISH WHAT YOU START. SO THE FIRST STEP TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT IS TO REST YOUR BODY.
Psa.127:2 (LVG)
God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest. Its vain for you to rise up early and stay up late.
ARE THERE ANY PEOPLE IN HERE THAT THEIR JOB REQUIRES THEM TO WORK FROM EARLY IN THE MORNING TO LATE AT NIGHT EVERY DAY? NOW THERE MANY BE OCCASSIONS WHEN YOU NEED TO STAY UP ALL NIGHT FOR A FINAL EXAIM, OR FOR CLOSING A BIG BUSINESS DEAL BUT IT SHOULDN’T BE A PATTERN OR YOU WILL BURN OUT. GOD DESIGNED YOU BODY FOR THE NEED TO GET REST IF YOU WANT TO BE PRODUCTIVE THE NEXT DAY.
Psalm 119:73 (MsgB)
With your very own hands you formed me;
now breathe your wisdom over me so I can obey your law.
We got to get some sleep. We’ve got to eat right and exercise your body AND THEN REST. WHAT WE NEED IS BALANCE. SO GOD WRITES SOME COMMANDS THAT WILL ENHANCE OUR LIVES AND GIVE US THE STRENGTH NECESSARY TO OVERCOME ANY HARDSHIP AND FINISH WELL. SO HE SAYS, SIX DAYS YOU SHALL WORK AND ON THE 7TH YOU SHOULD REST. NOW THAT’S NOT A RELIGIOUS THING WE MUST DO TO BE A CHRISTIAN. ITS SOMETHING THAT’S DESIGNED FOR YOU BY GOD TO BE BENEFICIAL TO YOUR HEALTH AND WELL BEING. IF THERE IS ANY JOB THAT CAUSES YOU TO BE OVER CHALLENGED THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A GOOD 8 HOURS OF SLEEP THAT WILL RADICALLY INVIGORATE YOUR LIFE.
2. THE SECOND WAY TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT CAUSED BY FRUSTRATION AND DISSAPPOINTMENT IS TO REORGANIZE YOUR LIFE. THIS HAS TO BE DONE PERIODICALLY THROUGHOUT YOUR ENTIRE LIFE. WHEN NEH. SAW THE PEOPLE WERE GETTING DISCOURAGED AND READY TO QUIT HE SAID IN VERSE:
Neh.4:13
[13] So I stationed armed guards at the most vulnerable places of the wall and assigned people by families with their swords, lances, and bows.
WITH THE THREAT OF THE ENEMY ATTACKING AND THE WORK BEING DELAYED OR STOPPED ALTOGETHER HE REORGANIZED AND SAID WE’VE GOT TO HAVE A NEW STRADGEY FOR SUCCESS. SO ITS POSSIBLE THAT YOU COULD BE DOING A RIGHT THING LIKE BUILDING THE WALL BUT IN A WRONG WAY. THE TENDENCY WHEN WE ALL GET DISCOURAGED IS TO SAY SOMETHING LIKE, ‘MAYBE GOD DOESN’T WANT ME TO DO THIS AFTER ALL. MAYBE I’M DOING THE WORNG THING. BUT MAYBE YOU’RE DOING THE RIGHT THING IN A WRONG WAY AND YOU JUST NEED TO REORGANIZE AND CHANGE YOUR METHODOLOGY. IF YOU’RE GOING INTO DEBT REORGANIZE YOUR BUDGET. IF YOU’RE OVERCOMMITTED THEN REORGANIZE YOUR TIME SCHEDULE. IF YOU’RE OUT OF SHAPE THEN YOU NEED TO REORGANIZE YOUR LIFESTYLE AND EATING PATTERNS. DIFFICULTY CAME, PLANS BEGAN TO FAIL, FRUSTRATION AND DISSAPPOINTMENT SET IN AND IT WAS TO REORGANIZE BEFORE DISCOURAGEMENT SET IN AND CANCELLED THE WHOLE PROJECT. MAKE SURE YOU SET SOME PRIORITIES AND SET SOME TIME APART FOR SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH GOD AND YOUR FAMILY. DON’T CUT GOD OUT OF YOUR LIFE BECAUSE YOU’RE OVER COMMITTED.
AS YOU GROW OLDER IN LIFE YOU CAN’T DO THE THINGS YOU COULD DO WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER. SO PART OF GROWING IS TO REORGANIZE AND BECOME MORE EFFICIENT AT WHAT YOU CAN DO WITHOUT BEING OVER COMMITTED AND TIRED ALL THE TIME AND HAVE TO SETTLE FOR MEDIOCRITY. SO WE HAVE TO SET SOME PRIORITIES AND SAY NO TO SOME THINGS AND REORGANIZE AND SEPARATE THE GOOD THINGS FROM THE NECESSARY THINGS THAT WE NEED TO DO TO BE SUCCESSFUL AND STAY HEALTHY, HAPPY AND WELL. DIFFERENT SEASONS IN YOUR LIFE REQUIRE YOU TO REPACK YOU BAGS. SOMETIME WE HAVE TO UNPACK SPIRITUALLY AND DETERMINE WHAT WE DON’T NEED. THAT’S CALLED REORGANIZING AND ELIMINATING THINGS THAT DRAG US DOWN IN LIFE.
HIGH PERFORMANCE PEOPLE IN ALL STUDIES DONE HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON AND THAT IS STRONG RELATIONSHIP, LOVE AND SUPPORT GROUPS. WHEN NEH. REORGANIZED THEM HE SET THEM IN FAMILIES. WE NEED EACH OTHER, THAT’S WHY WE NEED CHURCH TO ENCOURAGE AND DEFEND ON ANOTHER AND FIGHT OUR SPITITUAL BATTLE TOGETHER. THE BIBLE SAYS: BEAR YE ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS AND THUS FULFILL THE LAW OF CHRIST. THE PHRASE ONE ANOTHER IS USED OVER 50 TIMES IN THE N.T. WE CONCLUDE FROM THAT INFORMATION THAT WE NEED ONE ANOTHER. GOD SAID ITS NOT GOOD THAT MAN SHOULD BE ALONE SO HE MADE ADAM A HELPMATE. SO ITS NOT GOOD TO BE ALONE OR ISOLATED WHEN YOU BECOME DISCOURAGED. WHAT YOU NEED MOST IS SOME BALCONEY PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE. WE LEARNED LAST WEEK THAT ONE OF THE PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESS IS BURING STRONG RELATIONSHIP BECAUSE YOU CAN’T BECOME SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT THE HELP OF OTHER PEOPLE.
3. IF YOU WANT TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT THEN REORGANIZE YOUR LIFE, GET THE NECESSARY REST YOU NEED AND REMEMBER THE LORD!
Neh. 4:14 (KJV)
And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
THE 3RD THING WE NEED TO DO WHEN DISCOURAGEMENT COMES IS TO RECOMMITT OUR LIVES TO THE LORD. WHEN WE GET DISCOURAGED WE USUALLY TAKE OUR EYES OFF THE LORD AND FOCUS ON THE PROBLEM. THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT WHEN DAVID GOT DISCOURAGED THAT HE ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE DISCOURAGED? LET ME GIVE YOU FOUR THINGS YOU SHOULD DO.
Psalm 103:1-5 (KJV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. [2] Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: [3] Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; [4] Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; [5] Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
WOW, THAT’S A LOT OF STUFF HE HAS DONE FOR US AND THERE’S A WHOLE LOT MORE IF YOU’LL JUST READ THE REST OF THAT CHAPTER. HE’S FORGIVEN YOU, SAVED YOU, PRESERVED YOU, HELPED YOU OUT OF BIGGER PROBLEMS BEFORE AND WHEN YOU REMEMBER THEM YOU ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN THE LORD. PSYCHOLOGIST SAY THAT THE HEALTHIEST EMOTION YOU CAN AVE IS GRATITUDE. START PRAISING THE LORD FOR PAST PROVISION AND VICTORIES. PRAISE SCATTERS THE ENEMY AND INVITES THE PRESENCE OF GOD INTO YOUR LIFE.
Deut. 31:6 (KJV)
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
GOD WON’T LEAVE YOU ALONE IN A LAWSUIT OR A BANKRUPTCY OR IN A DRAMTIC DOWNSIZING EVEN IF IT IS YOUR FAULT. GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU WHEN YOU GET LAID OFF FROM WORK OR WHEN YOU GET THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A FATAL DISEASE. JESUS SAID I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU. YOU ARE NEVER WITHOUT CHRIST. RECOGNIZE THAT YOU ARE NOT IN THIS ALONE AND PRACTICE THE PRESENCE OF GOD. IN HIS PRESENCE IS FULLNESS OF JOY AD THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH TO GET THROUGH EVERYTHING THAT COMES AT YOU IN LIFE.
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
GET YOUR MIND OFF OF THAT DISCOURAGING PROBLEM AND PUT THEM ON THE ONE WHO WILL BRING THE SOLUTION. GOD’S NOT DONE WORKING YET. THE DOCTOR DOESN’T HAVE THE FINAL SAY IN THE DIAGNOSES. I KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS IN THE MEDICAL FIELD THAT HAS MORE AUTHOIRTY AND THAT’S JESUS THE GREAT PHYSICIAN. HE HAS THE FINAL WORD AND BY HIS STRIPES WE WERE HEALED. GOD’S NOT DONE WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF. HIS WORK CONTINUES TO GO FORTH BEFORE US, THAT’S WHAT DIVINE PROVIDENCE IS ALL ABOUT. YOU DEFINE THAT AS DIVINE SUPPLY BEFORE THE NEED EVER GOT THERE. IF YOU WANT TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT THEM REMEMBER THAT GOD IS GOING AHEAD OF YOU TO PREPARE A WAY THROUGH IT TO VICTORY.
Deut. 31:8 (MsgB)
God is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you. Don't be intimidated. Don't worry."
Psa.119:25
David said, I’m completely discouraged, I lie in the dust. Revive me by your word.
WE KNOW THAT THW WORD OF GOD IS QUICK, POERFUL AND OPERATIVE. THE WORD OF GOD HAS SUPERNATURAL, CREATIVE POWER IN IT. JESUS SAID THAT MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF HIS MOUTH. WHEN YOU BECOME DISCOURAGED YOU NEED A PROCEEDING WORD FROM THE LORD. THAT’S NOT A LOGOS WORD THAT’S A FRESH REHEMA WORD THAT GOD HIMSELF QUICKENS TO YOU AND SPEAKS DIRECTLY TO YOUR HEART. AS A PASTOR YOU ARE ALWAYS STUDYING THE WORD TO PREPARE A MESSAGE AND A SPIRITUAL MEAL FOR OTHERS. BUT DON’T FORGET TO MAKE A MEAL FOR YOURSELF EVERY DAY. REMEMBER THE WORD OF THE LORD.
NOW YOU CAN’T GET MUCH LOWER AND DISCOURAGED THAN JONAH. HE’S ON THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN SWALLOED BY A BIG FISH AND HE’S AS LOW AS YOU CAN GO. BUT DOWN IN FISH HOTEL HE REMEMBER THE WORD OF THE LORD AND REPENTS AND GET RECOMMISSIONED AGAIN. SO WHEN YOU GET DISCOURAGED REMEMBER TE WORD OF THE LORD.
4. THE FOURTH THING YOU CAN DO WHEN DISCOURAGE-MENT COMES IS TO SUBMIT TO GOD AND RESIST THE DEVIL.
NOW ON THIS ONE YOU’RE GONNA HAVE TO BE PROACTIVE AND WORK AT THIS. DISCOURAGMENT IS ONE OF THE ENEMIES MOST FORMIDABLE WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION THAT HE USES AGAISNT PASTORS AND THE BODY OF CHRIST. DISCOURAGEMENT HAS A SPIRITUAL SOURCE SO YOU NEED TO RISE UP AFTER YOU HAVE GOTTEN SOME REST, REORGANIZED YOUR LIFE AND REMEMBERED THE LORD AND HIS PROVISION FOR YOU LIFE AND REBUKE THAT SPIRIT OF DISCOURAGEMENT.
1 Tim. 6:12 (KJV)
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
