17 Mar 13: 8 Tools to Defeat Discouragement

I. 8 Tools to Defeat Discouragement
- Every believer experiences discouragement.  If we do not deal with it, discouragement leads to bitterness, anger, and sin.  Even the great King David was discouraged at one point.  In 1 Samuel 30:6, we are told the King David was greatly stressed after finding out that His people wants to kill him by stoning.  What's more discouraging than your own people trying to kill you.  But in the end of the verse, we found out that "David strengthened himself in the Lord his God".  We are discouraged because we do not have a relationship with God.  

- Matthew 19:26, "With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible"

Here are 8 Tools that can help us defeat discouragement.  

a. 1. Expect discouragement
- In 1 Peter 4:12, we are told "not to think it is strange when we face fiery trials".   It is not if we experience but when we experience discouragement.  We are living in a spiritual battle and we need to trust in the Lord at all times.  If it is God's will, it will be done.  

- Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you" says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope".

2. Pray
-  The less you pray, the more the discouragement; the more the discouragement, the less you pray
- When we face any struggles, pray to God and watch how He acts

- Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it shall be give to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
- Matthew 21:22, "and whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, and it will be given to you"

3. Carry Your Sword (Word of God)
- Know the Word of God, memorize them, and carry it in your heart
- Carry a Bible with you at all times

- Matthew 12:24, "For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks"

4. Know your weak areas and protect them
- Avoid places, persons, or other things that are sources of discouragement
- Only approach people or go to places that will provide you encouragement

5. Remember what you will lose if you quit
- Remember the pains and sufferings (consequences) you will cause if you quit
- Fight for your kids, your wife, your family, friends, and your brethren
- It is the time to fight for it and not the time to give up
- suicide is never ever a good answer

6. Call for help when you need it
- If you need help, ask for it; talking to someone or having someone with you is best source of encouragement
- Discouragement pushes you away from those who can help you
- Others do not know your problems, so let us someone know so they can provide you with help
- It only takes 1 person who cares

- Proverbs 18:1, A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment"

7. Radical times requires radical response/change
- Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you".
- Do not fear of things of this world but fear in the Lord
- Do what God has told us to
- Stop making excuses and act now
- Sometimes God uses discouragement to lead us in radical change of our lives

8.  Do not let your guard down
- be vigilant and ready, keep you eyes open for the enemy

- 1 Peter 5:8, Be Sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like roaring lion, seeking whom may he may devour

II. New Testament Reading: Mark 1:1-8 and 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

III. Proverbs for Today / 11:15
He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe

IV. Old Testament Reading
Numbers 26:1-51 and Psalms 60:1-12