"I can't stand it! All I want is to serve you, Jesus. Live for You. Experience a life sold out to you. I don't understand why You allow obstacles, hindrances, and oppositions. I am crying out for help in my time of discouragement!"
When is the last time you experienced this feeling? Did you run to Jesus for His answers or did you mull over it in your mind? Why in the middle of serving the Lord can discouragement arise? Shouldn't He protect us from this? Let's go a step further. Why in the midst of serving Jesus do we experience those "Mind Moments?" The ones that bring doubt, oppression and uncertainty?
I must be honest, I experienced this last week. I love the opportunity to be real with you and share my weaknesses and struggles. So, here flows a fresh stream of honesty from my heart to yours. After experiencing the spiritual "mountain top" at Share Fair I was bombarded with negative thoughts from the enemy bringing havoc to my mind. Thoughts like... "What gives you the right to teach women? You don't deserve to be leading women? There are so many others more capable and knowledgeable to handle the task!" They were like shooting stars in my head. Not taking these thoughts captive, I began to dwell on each one of them. All of a sudden, I found myself believing the accuser's accusations. Discouragement invaded every part of my being.
The funny thing is the enemy's claims were right. On my own, I don't deserve and am not capable to be a leader for the Lord. It is only through Jesus that I am worthy to serve Him for His purposes to be accomplished. His righteousness covers me and leads me. As a result, I should have proudly agreed with my accuser and said, "Thank you for reminding me of these things because it is only through Jesus that I am called to serve Him in this way. I am not deserving of anything." But instead, I let the negative thoughts and lies move from my head to my heart in a matter of seconds. As they entered the heart chamber, I could feel a door slam and a bolt quickly secure the lock.
For three days I wallowed in this dungeon of dismay and insecurity. Finally, on the forth day of this imprisonment I stretched out my arms to the ceiling and asked God to be my encourager. I pleaded for Him to lead me to the place in scripture to hear from Him. In a matter of seconds, I found myself in Joshua 1:1-11. As I began reading I could sense the Lord's words pouring over me. Three times God told Joshua to "Be strong and of good courage." As I read these words I could feel the chamber doors unlock and slowly creak open. Then I read Joshua 1:8 and to my amazement the chains broke and the walls of discouragement came crashing down...
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it
day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it."
Freedom. Release. Glory to God! A shout of praise came pouring from my heart and out my mouth. God is the Encouragement During Discouragement... Praise Him!
Challenge for the Week... Are you in the midst of a discouraging time? Are you held captive by negative thoughts that are binding you to the dungeon of discouragement in your mind? God gives us a way to break free from these chains. Read through Joshua 1. See how God encouraged him to move forward in the calling. God is the ultimate encourager. So many times we run to others for encouragement rather than Jesus. Ask Him to spur you forward and look for how He chooses to inspire your day! You are in for a treat of Encouragement During Discouragement... Praise Him!
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Author Bio: Carla McDougal is founder of and author/speaker for Reflective Life Ministries, located in the Houston, TX area. Her true passion in life is her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a gifted speaker and author, Carla has captivated audiences with her realness, laughter and ability to teach the Word of God. As a result, God has taken her around the world to encourage women to live everyday for Jesus. Her Monday morning e-votionals at, Carla's Corner, allow her to stay connected to women through her inspirational writings. Carla and her husband, Fred, have three sons and one daughter.To order book, please visit www.ReflectiveLifeMinistries.org for more information.
