KEY SCRIPTURE: Numbers 13:31 KJV” But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we”.

In our introduction to this study we said discouragement is to yield to the feeling and thoughts to give up, because of a negative condition, perceived failure or negative remark from an individual or a group of people. Discouragement is the most cherished weapon or tool of Satan. In our definition of discouragement, we said it is yielding to the feeling or thought to give up. Satan and his demons are masters of negative and wrong thoughts. Such thoughts become strong holds or compelling thoughts that would easily control you. The Lord says resist and cast them down (2 Corinth 10:5). A situation may give you the thought to be discouraged and give up. Resist that thought, it is Satan’s suggesting to stop you.

“A story is told about a man who visited Satan’s workshop. At the place he saw various tools that Satan uses on men. He saw fornication, diseases, accidents and many more. He saw that discouragement was kept in a special glass and was well polished. The man asked him Satan, ‘why is discouragement kept in a special glass. The devil answered, it is my most cherished tool or weapon. He added, if every other tool I employ failed, discouragement has always succeeded. It does not fail. Beware of discouragement.

 Please note that, the thoughts and feelings of defeat are not discouragement. It is the decision to surrender to that thought, that makes a failure out of you. At the garden of Gethsemane, the Lord Jesus had thoughts to give up. He felt the pain and shame. He even said, If it be thy will, let this cup pass me by (Matthew 26:39). He quickly added, not my will but thine be done. Your positive voice is always powerful to release you from the negative feelings or thoughts. Whenever Satan comes tempting you to be discouraged, open your mouth and say, no I will stay on my ground and keep moving forward. Remember our bodies are bridled or controlled by what we say. (James 3:2)

PRAYER

Father, I thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit who strengthens us in times of challenges. I pray that every child of God be quick to overcome the lies of the devil to be discouraged. Father, we stand no matter the opposition or challenge that the enemy may through at us.

FURTHER STUDIES

Matthew 26:39 KJV “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt”.

Romans 6:13 KJV” Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God”.