Enjoying the Journey
Posts Tagged ‘discouragement’
Dealing with Disappointment – Part I
We all have them. Disappointments are a part of life in an imperfect world. Every day we face the possibility of disappointment with circumstances, people, and even ourselves. It may not sound spiritual but at times we are even disappointed with God’s ways – why doesn’t He do things the way we think He should? You are not alone. In fact, the original followers of Christ faced many of the same questions and struggles. They too had to deal with disappointment. Some time ago I was meditating in Luke 24 on the encounter two disciples had on the road to Emmaus with the risen Christ. Of course, they did not know that it was Christ and could never have known…
Read MoreDon’t Lose Your Joy!
This world is full of joy stealers. Behind them all is a miserable devil whose only delight is to “steal, kill, and destroy.” It is a rare and refreshing thing to meet someone whose mission is to bring the joy of Jesus into other lives. Paul was such a man. In one of the most difficult letters he ever wrote we read these touching words: “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand” (2 Corinthians 1:24). Joy is rooted in personal faith in God. Each of us must believe the Lord for ourselves and in so doing discover the joy that only He can bring. Yet in the…
Read MoreWhat to Do When You Are Tired
We all get tired. Even the Lord Jesus in His perfect humanity experienced weariness. (Read more about that here.) The best of men in the greatest of works battle fatigue. Take Elijah for example. No, not the prophet calling down fire from heaven. Not the man enjoying God’s provision by the brook Cherith. Not the minister raising the widow woman’s son. Look at him depleted and desperate in 1 Kings 19. Body overworked. Nerves on edge. Just tired. God’s preacher had just experienced one of the most amazing victories in history. Mount Carmel would forever be a point of reference. Disillusionment often comes just after great blessing. He travels many miles to Beersheba and then another full day’s walk into…
Read MoreDon’t Quit!
Napoleon said that in every major conflict there is a ten to fifteen minute period when the battle is won or lost. It is the critical time. Conquer it and you win the battle. Lose that moment and all is lost. The spiritual battle is raging as never before. The enemy is attacking on every front. This is not the time to quit! Our Captain is with us and this is our time to stand with Him. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might…that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Eph. 6:10, 13).
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