To Persevere

When you walk as a Christian you will be acquainted with a gambit of emotions.  How many times have you been going along and doing what you knew to be the will of God in your life and suffered a setback?  I have had and still do have this happen.  Usually, the greatest discouragement will follow your greatest victories.   You see, when you do something that makes the angels cheer, you rattle the gates of hell as well. 

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
(Galatians 6:9)

Adversity and discouragement are not signals you have done something wrong in these cases.  In fact, the opposite is usually true.  When you become the hands, feet and mouthpiece for God's glory, you will unleash all manner of demonic forces as well.  They want you to have no impact for the Kingdom of God.  They want nothing less than your destruction.  Discouragement is a spirit and must be fought.  You have to persevere in doing God's work.  Satan is a defeated foe and we need to remind him and ourselves of that fact. 

We have an Advocate with the Father.  Christ has already won this battle we fight on these occasions.  His resurrection sealed the devil's fate.  Our weapons are the Word of God and His truth.  It is in our authority to rebuke the devil.  We have the power of prayer on our side.  This includes telling the spirit of discouragement to go away.  God has promised you will not be given more than you can bear.  He will give you what you need at the time you need it.  Believe Him for this.  Continue your work for God and His glory despite your feelings.  His Word is true and faithful to come to pass.  You will reap the rewards God desires for you if you will not give up!  You will reap the blessing.

Encourage those you know who are going through difficult times in their lives.  Lift their names and concerns before the throne of Grace and bestow a blessing upon yourself.  To be able to be an encouragement to a brother or sister in Christ is one of the greatest gifts you can ever give to another soul.

Father, you know my heart.  You know how close this subject is to my heart today.  I ask you would encourage each and everyone who reads this.  I don't know all of their concerns but I know you do.  I ask you would give them hope and comfort and joy.  I ask you would stand next to them as they wrestle with the things the devil tries to trick them with.  The only teeth in that lion's mouth are the ones we give him.  Help them stand and fight, Lord.  Teach them to use the armor you have given them, according to your word.  May your blessing rest upon them all.  I ask these things in the name of Christ Jesus my Lord.  Amen.