Almost every night when I lay my head on the pillow, the attacks begin. Disillusionment wraps itself up in a thought and pierces my mind in hopes of destroying my hope. A battle is raging in my mind. My adversary is unseen and relentless. Discouragement will stop at nothing to take me down. The enemy wants to destroy my passion and purpose as a Child of God. If I am overwhelmed by fear and doubt, I am an ineffective witness. Like a well-armed soldier, I must take up the shield of faith and make decisive moves to counteract the onslaught of my vicious opponent. If like me you are waging a mental war every day as you step out to share the Good News, I want to encourage you to stay in the fight. Never forget that “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” I pray that these strategic moves will help you to effectively overcome the opposition. 5 Decisive Moves to Overcome Discouragement. 1. Move toward the Truth: Wear God’s Word over your heart like a bullet proof vest. When the enemy bombards you with negative accusations, lies, and twisted truths, you need to thwart those missiles by covering yourself with wisdom. “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16, ESV). 2. Move toward Community: Link arms with other soldiers on the field. When we are wrestling with disappointment and doubt, our enemy tries to isolate us from the encouragement of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Rather than hide away and nurse our fears, we need to stand in a close-knit circle with others in the fray and invite them to pray for us and speak life into our hearts. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:23-25). 3. Move toward Adoration: Remember your battle cry is praise. The easiest way to disarm your opponent is to worship, rather than worry. As we lift up the name of Jesus, He will fill our hearts with unshakeable peace. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NASB). 4. Move toward Strength: Tap into the power of your Commander in Chief. You do not fight alone. The Spirit of the resurrected Christ lives in you and empowers you to face every obstacle. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 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” (Romans 8:26-28, NIV). 5. Move toward Eternity: Focus on the final victory. Your enemy is a defeated foe. Christ has already conquered sin and death. Nothing can stop God’s kingdom purposes from being fulfilled in your life if you stand in the shadow of the cross. "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4, ESV). Discouragement cannot defeat you if you are walking in the power of the Spirit and armed with truth. Stand strong, my sisters. About Lyli![]() Lyli Dunbar enjoys karaoke in the car with her husband, digging into Bible study with the girls, and reading 12 books at a time. A writer, speaker, and mentor, her burning passion is to know Jesus and to make Him known. Join her at lylidunbar.com to find fuel for a wildfire faith. You may also connect with Lyli on Facebook, Instagram,Twitter, You Tube and Pinterest. If you'd like to read more from this contributor, type her name in the search box on the top right.
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5 Comments
Kathy
6/27/2017 08:41:22 am
It is so important to start my day with the Word of God and prayer. I find that this "sword" will slay all my doubts and fears as I reflect on them when in a difficult situation. Thank you for making me aware of how important it is to have community as well and to praise Him for all that happens.
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7/3/2017 07:06:53 am
Amy, thank you for being a cheerleader friend. I can't do today without Jesus, and am thankful for His grace to meet each crazy moment. Hugs
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3/23/2018 05:48:20 am
Those battles come - don't they and are so discouraging. I've learned, also, that I also have to stop obsessively thinking those discouraging thoughts! Praise God and focusing on His truth, that you talk about, are what I replace those discouraging thoughts with. Maybe it's like some build muscle memory - and in the process, I have gotten much better at it. Thank you Lyli for reminding me, too! Shalom wise friend!
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