"Don’t Be Discouraged"
EPISODE 55
Fight the Feelings of Failure
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On the road toward heaven, we all face times of discouragement. We might "feel down," "burned out," or like "a failure" from time to time. But what causes these feelings, and how can we overcome it? Let's look to Hebrews 12:1-8, for some helpful ways to move beyond our times of discouragement.
Feeling Alone
It's easy to think that no one cares about or understands what we're going through. But we're not alone when we face problems in the church, in our families, or at our jobs. The Hebrew writer reminds us of the great "cloud of witnesses" (Heb 12:1) from the previous chapter. Those amazing heroes of faith who didn't have an easy time, but who worked for God under dire conditions. They kept the faith, and so can we!
Burdened by Sin
Sin acts like a weight around our legs and a snare, which easily traps us (Heb. 12:1). And sometimes the ugliness we see in the world is because of the dirt on our glasses. If we're discouraged by the sins of others, maybe it's a sign that we need to address those same sins in ourselves. Lay them aside and trust in the forgiveness of God.
Losing Focus
Are you focused on the wrong things? As Christians, we fix our eyes on Jesus, "the founder and perfecter of our faith" (Heb 12:2). Looking at Jesus, we see the One raised from the dead and seated in supreme authority at God's right hand. Taking our eyes off him, like Peter, we start to sink into discouragement. He's willing to help us if we keep our eyes on him!
Losing Perspective
Not to dismiss our troubles, sometimes things aren't as bad as we think. God reminds the Hebrews, "In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood" (Heb. 12:4). Sure, they'd been through some tough times, but God said ... it could be worse! It helps to keep things in perspective and to remember that we're still here today to serve God with all our strength.
And God is always working in our lives. He disciplines us as sons when practice evil, but also to prepare us for greater things in the future (Heb. 12:5-8). Like a fruitful branch that the vineyard owner prunes, God wants us to produce more through difficulty (John 15:1-5). So maybe the problems you're having are preparing you for more excellent works that lie ahead!
So, the next time you feel discouraged, read Hebrews 12, pray to God, and ask him to help you endure. "... let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" (Gal. 6:9).
