We are doing just fine and life could not be any better. Everything is going our way. Life is exciting and our cup is filled to the brim. Then all of a sudden someone throws a wrench into the works of our life. We go from the mountain top to the valley within a few minutes. We would think we would know how to handle this, because this cycle is all too familiar to us.
We do not find too much comfort in knowing that every Christian faces this same dilemma. The fact remains that discouragement is one of Satan’s primary tools in his toolbox. The devil uses everything within his power to keep us from being useful in the kingdom of God. John R. Stott was a deep thinker and theologian of the last century, who was also a great pastor. In discussing how to effectively keep Christians in a deep relationship with Christ and being useful in His kingdom, Stott states, “The Christian’s chief occupational hazards are depression and discouragement.” We all are susceptible to these pitfalls. Knowing these two conditions cause us to lose our focus and keep us from being useful in kingdom work, helps us to overcome them.
Scripture talks about what we should do as life gets difficult. Jesus’ teaching is clear that hard times are just part of the Christian’s pilgrimage while on earth. Knowing that we will go through difficult times helps us deal with them. The Lord gives a poignant remedy in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” In other words, keep your eyes on Jesus and stay at the task of glorifying Him. With this in mind all the good words you do for Him will result in a blessing in our lives, if we do not become discouraged.
To keep from getting derailed spiritually, stay focused on serving Christ!
