Discouragement...we've chatted about this recently in this blog. I just ran across some more good thoughts on this topic....
There are basically four factors that can facilitate discouragement in our lives: fatigue, frustration, failure and fear. Fatigue is just simply being tired and not getting the necessary refreshment and rest we need. Frustration is about the hindrances and roadblocks that can interrupt or delay the results of our efforts. These can very well be engineered by God for our best and it is important to discern what God is up to. Anytime there is fatigue and frustration, it is easy for us to conclude that we are going to fail. Failure is something we all encounter. If we view it improperly, it can harm us. But like so many things, it's not failure, but how we respond to it, that can make such a difference. Fear is the debilitating emotion that can paralyze us. Much in our lives can send messages that generate fear. Those messages need to constantly be challenged by the Truth of God's Word to keep us in the center of Faith and not fear.
Seeing these four elements has provided for me a checklist that is so practical. I hope you will find them useful too.
Have a great week! Thrilled about what is yet to come!
Blessings,
Mitch
