I must be ever alert to the feeling of discouragement, which is a sin. Discouragement says, “I refuse to accept God’s plan for my life.” Discouragement always comes when our expectations are confused. Discouragement is the result of not letting God alone. It is a tragedy that I accept Jesus as my “Lord” and then grow discouraged because He frustrates my expectations. If Jesus is my Lord, then Romans 8:28 must always be my textbook. It is impossible to have one without the other.
I must reckon with the causes of discouragement and see them in their proper perspective. Am I criticized by others? Let me rejoice! Do I not realize that God uses diamonds to sharpen diamonds? Let me remember that it was criticism that started Joseph on his way to Pharaoh’s throne; and God will let criticism put me on a throne also, if I let Him.
Am I suffering lack of success? Don’t I realize that success is the result of God’s careful timing, not mine? And don’t I realize that if I am faithful where God put me, success is inevitable?
Am I discouraged because the way is hard and painful? If so, I must realize that God is preparing plowed ground to yield fruit a hundredfold. God will never give me a hard way without a “nevertheless afterward” (Hebrews 12:11, KJV). When I am in difficulty I must pray, “Lord, give me patience to wait for Your ‘afterward.’”
Am I harassed by Satan, and are his whisperings getting to me? I must remember his history: everyone who ever listened to him suffered horrible defeat. I will honor God by my trust; I will please Him, affirming; “All things [do] work together for good” (Romans 8:28, KJV). I believe that God will “go before [me] and will level the mountains; … [and] give [me] the treasures of darkness” (Isaiah 45:2–3, NIV).
“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry for help before Him came into His ears” (Psalm 18:6).
Daily with the King 