From; Brenda Walsh Ministries
Slithering Snake of Discouragement
There will be times in life when things don’t quite turn out the way you want them to, and you’re tempted to allow the ugly snake of discouragement to slither in. But before he gets too comfortable and makes himself at home, use the tools that God has given you to gain the strength and courage to kick the feelings of despair out the door! Remember that discouragement is one of the devil’s tools that he uses to separate you from God. Satan loves when you lose hope, and when you do, he actually encourages you to quit. There are people who have sunk so low in the pit of depression that they never recovered, because while in their current state of mind, they made bad decisions that destroyed their futures. But no matter how low you sink, there is hope in Christ Jesus. When you need answers... go to God. When you need healing... go to God. When you need a breakthrough... go to God. There is nothing He can’t do! No matter how dark and dismal life gets, remember that nothing lasts forever, not even difficulties. After the darkest night, the sun comes out! After the worst storm, there will be calm. And the hottest fire eventually burns out, and the smoke fades away. It is when you are physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted that you are the most vulnerable to the devil’s attacks. Look at the life of Elijah. He had seen miracle after miracle from God, and yet when one woman threatened him, he crumbled and ran in fear to hide in a cave. It’s hard to even imagine that someone who spent so much time in God’s presence could do such a thing. But Elijah was also human. He was physically and emotionally drained - and like so many of us, he forgot that God is more powerful than anyone in the universe. The Bible says in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” The next time the devil hits you with a calamity, and you see that slithering snake of discouragement getting ready to sneak in, slam that door and call for divine backup. Call out to Jesus, the only One who can save you, and then wait patiently in His arms of love. Claim His promise in Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Text: Psalm 34:17-19, Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 1 Peter 1:6-9