Romans 15:13
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in
believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
I write to you today with a heart full of love and reach out to you in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who is the author and finisher of our faith. In this moment, I want to
remind you of a crucial truth: the importance of not being discouraged, no
matter the trials or tribulations we face.
We are in a world that often seems filled with
uncertainty and turmoil, yet it is in these very times that we must remember to
hold steadfastly to our faith. It is the beacon of hope that guides us
through the darkest nights: the anchor that grounds us when the seas of
life become tumultuous.
Remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:28:
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who
love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This
scripture reminds us that no matter the trials we face, no matter the struggles
we endure, God is working in our lives for our ultimate good.
Life, as we know, is not a straight path. It is filled with
twists and turns, hills and valleys, sunshine, and rain. There are moments of
joy and triumph, and there are also moments of pain and discouragement. It
is in these challenging times when our faith is tested that character is
formed.
In the book of John 16:33, Jesus reminds us, "In
this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
These words are not just a promise, they are an assurance. An assurance that
despite the trials we face, we have a Saviour who has already conquered the
world.
Discouragement, dear ones, is a tool of the enemy. It seeks
to rob us of our joy, to steal our peace, and to make us lose sight of the
promises of God. But we must not let it. We must not allow discouragement to
take root in our hearts and minds.
Remember the story of David in 1 Samuel 30. When David and
his men returned to Ziklag, they found the city burned and their family’s taken
captive. The Bible tells us that the men were so distressed that they wept
until they had no more strength to weep, and even talked of stoning David. But amid
this despair, David found strength in the Lord God. He did not allow
discouragement to overcome him. Instead, he encouraged himself in the Lord. And
in the end, they recovered all that was taken from them.
This, dear ones, is the power of not giving in to
discouragement. When we refuse to be discouraged, we make room for God's
strength to operate in our lives. We open the door for His promises to
manifest. We allow His peace to calm our troubled hearts.
It is easy to become discouraged when we face adversity. It
is easy to question why we must endure such trials. But remember, dear ones,
that it is through these trials that our faith is tested and strengthened. It
is through these trials that we are drawn closer to God, that we learn to rely
on His strength and not our own.
I encourage you to spend time in God's Word, seek His
face in prayer, and trust in His unfailing love and mercy. Remember, dear
ones, that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of
trouble (Psalm 46:1). Stand against discouragement. Do not let it steal
your joy or your peace. Do not let it cloud your vision of God's promises to
you. Instead, choose to encourage yourself in the Lord. Choose to remember His
promises. Choose to stand on His word.
In the book of Joshua 1:9, God commands us, "Have I
not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be
discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
This is not just a command; it is a promise. A promise that no matter what we
face, God is with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
So, let us stand firm in our faith, let us trust in our
Lord, and let us encourage one another with these words, continuing to shine
the light of Christ in this world. May the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.