Welcome to another episode of the Health for the Spirit, Soul, and Body Blog from Doxa Missions. Today, we’re looking at an important topic that many of us face in our spiritual journeys—discouragement. Whether it's due to life's challenges or spiritual battles, discouragement is something that can hinder our growth and connection with God. But here's the good news: You don't have to be discouraged!
In this post, we’ll look at where discouragement comes from, how it works against us, and how we can overcome it through faith and courage in the Lord.
Don’t Be Discouraged
Discouragement can creep into our lives when we least expect it. It often comes when we’re feeling overwhelmed, defeated, or uncertain about the future. But as Christians, we are called to stand firm, even in the face of adversity. Why? Because our courage doesn’t come from our own strength—it comes from God.
Let’s start by understanding what discouragement really is.
What is Discouragement?
Discouragement, at its core, is a loss of confidence or hope. It can happen when things don’t go as planned, when setbacks occur, or when the road ahead seems too difficult. But more than just a feeling, discouragement is also a spiritual weapon used by the enemy to weaken our faith.
The Bible warns us about how subtle this tool of Satan can be. When we allow discouragement to take root, it can paralyze us, making us feel like we’re incapable of overcoming our challenges. This is why discouragement is so dangerous. It causes us to turn inward, focusing on our own fears and failures instead of looking upward, trusting in God's strength and promises.
Courage Comes from Faith, Discouragement from Fear
Courage and discouragement are rooted in two very different sources: faith and fear. The two are opposites, and they produce opposite results in our lives.
In Joshua 1:9 (KJV), God commands, "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." This verse speaks directly to the power of faith. When we believe in God's promises and trust Him, courage arises within us. On the other hand, when we allow fear and doubt to creep in, discouragement takes over.
Faith is trusting in God's ability to see us through every situation. Fear, however, comes when we start believing the lies of the enemy—lies that tell us God won’t come through, that He’s forgotten us, or that our situation is hopeless. These lies lead to discouragement, and a discouraged person is unable to fight the good fight of faith.
Where Does Discouragement Come From?
Discouragement comes from fear and unbelief. It stems from the lies we believe when we listen to the devil’s whisperings rather than God’s truth. The devil’s strategy is to get us to focus on what we think God won't do for us. He wants us to question God’s love, His faithfulness, and His power.
The enemy knows that if we stay discouraged, we won't move forward in faith. A discouraged Christian isn’t dangerous to the kingdom of darkness because they’re not operating in their God-given authority. But when we choose to reject discouragement and walk in faith, that's when we become a threat to the devil’s plans.
Shake Off Discouragement, Rise Up in Courage!
As believers, we are called to shake off discouragement and rise up with courage. The key is not in drumming up courage from within ourselves, but in trusting God completely, no matter what the circumstances look like.
Instead of focusing on our own abilities, weaknesses, or past failures, we need to focus on God’s power. As Philippians 4:13 (KJV) reminds us, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Our strength comes from Him, and it’s through His Spirit that we can stand strong, even when the odds seem stacked against us.
When we understand who we are in Christ, we become unstoppable. We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us! (Romans 8:37, KJV). This means that no matter what we face, we have the victory in Jesus.
How to Overcome Discouragement
If you’ve been battling discouragement lately, here are a few steps you can take to overcome it:
Stop listening to the devil’s lies – The enemy will always try to convince you that God won’t come through, but you must reject that. Stand firm in what God’s Word says about you.
Speak faith over your situation – Instead of dwelling on negative reports or what could go wrong, declare God's promises over your life. For example, you can say, “God has already delivered me in the Name of Jesus,” even before you see the breakthrough.
Remember God's past faithfulness – Look back at the times when God has come through for you. These reminders will fuel your faith and give you the courage to keep moving forward.
Lean on the Holy Spirit – Don’t try to fight discouragement on your own. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with strength, wisdom, and courage. He is your helper and will guide you in every situation.
Courage Comes From Faith
Discouragement may be a common struggle, but it’s not something we have to live with. God has given us the tools we need to rise above it through faith, courage, and trust in His promises. As we reject fear and choose to believe in God’s goodness, we will find the strength to overcome any obstacle.
So if you’ve been feeling discouraged lately, take heart! God is with you, and He has already equipped you to be victorious. Just as Joshua was told to be strong and courageous, we too must rise up and take hold of the promises God has given us.
Remember, courage comes from faith—and faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Keep your eyes on Him, and He will lead you through every battle.
Call to Action: Have you been struggling with discouragement? How have you overcome it through faith in God? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to stay strong and courageous in our walk with Christ!
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