Memorize :Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Peter 5:8
Devotional Reading: Exodus 40:1 – 38
Discouragement is usually defined as lack of courage, the state of mind which is marked by fear of failure or hopelessness. There are many things that have happened in our world of recent that is capable of discouraging many people.
Discouragement is one of powerful weapons commonly used by the devil to keep children of God bound and kept in imprisonment with an aim to prevent them from fulfilling their purpose. Satan uses it against many people including the Israelites with the purpose to prevent them from entering Canaan, their promised land, they were intimidated by the circumstances surrounding conquering the Canaanites. The city of Canaan was very large, well fortified, and seemingly undefeatable. These caused the heart of the Israelites to melt within them to the extent that they saw themselves incapable and lost faith in the Word of God, they could not act on the promises of God.
Discouragement is failure to live by faith because it usually leads to doubt, and an inability to view circumstances around us from a divine perspective. Discouragement is therefore a sinful state of mind that is unable to adjust to disappointments and unfavourable circumstances in line with the Word of God, and His promises. It is important to note that discouragement is a powerful weapon of intimidation in the hands of the devil. It usually comes whenever a person has an important objective or assignment to accomplish.
For example, Israel had an assignment given to them by God; the walls of Jerusalem were to be rebuilt. As the people embarked on the project with vigour and determination, they were faced with opposition from enemies and even fellow Jews. The situation became intimidating to the point of demoralisation, as recorded in Nehemiah 4:10-23. At a point, some of the workers became discouraged while the wall was yet half finished, then the opposition intensified their attack using fear and intimidation as chief weapons. All these tactics were masterminded by the devil to make it impossible for the Jews to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem at that time.
Don’t allow the devil to discourage you from rebuilding the walls of success and greatness in your Ife, you may have tried before, don’t give up, try again, this time the LORD will favour you in Jesus name.
In 1 Peter 5:8-9, the Scripture admonishes us to be sober, vigilant, and watchful, always ready to resist and confront anyone that may want to weaken our hands from doing whatever assignment the Lord has committed to us.
Has God given you an assignment or instruction, you have prayed, fasted and meditated upon it and have received the go ahead from God, but fear or discouragement would not alllw you proceed, the LORD is asking me to encourage you to go ahead, whatever the LORD has purpose for you will bring blessings to you.
I pray that you will not fall for discouragement due to satanic tricks and intimidation in Jesus name.
Regardless of the fearful situations and intimidating circumstances, i pray that God will give you courage to stand against discouragement in the name of Jesus. Only the courageous wins the battle of life, also Heaven is a place prepared for the bold and courageous, Be bold, Be courageous.
Prayer point: My father and my God, please give me courage and boldness to resist the devil’s intimidation in Jesus name.
Key Does: Courage is priceless, it make’s the natural man operate in the supernatural.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor
In His Presence Christ Tabernacle