Discouragement Is an Affliction

Devotionals
By Pst. Franklin Odigwe on April 25, 2023
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“…be sober-minded, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking for whom to devour…” —1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

In our opening scriptures, the Bible clearly admonishes us to be on the watch and be alert because our adversary, the devil, is looking for whom to devour. He is looking for someone he can take advantage of and destroy his or her life. Now, one of the ways through which he does that is to bring in discouragement, which sadly has plagued the lives of many of God’s people, but you must make a decision never to fall prey to these tactics of the devil because depression is an affliction of the devil targeted to bring you down in life. Discouragement, you must know, is one of the true sources of depression. It causes people to think less of themselves and feel there is no need to carry on in life. It is the reason lots of God’s people lose their spark and the zeal to want to move on in life. However, God has a better plan for your life. I want you to know that God has called you to live above discouragement and win in all circumstances. 

It is true that challenges will come your way, but the Bible says, “…count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience, but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  James 1:2-3 (NKJV) meaning, in times of difficulty, God does not want you to give in to discouragement but rather wants you to be patient so that patience can have its perfect work in you. When you understand this, you no longer get discouraged or frustrated; you no longer make hasty decisions or negative confessions because you know that what you are going through is only temporary and will soon pass away. So I admonish you to watch out for all kinds of discouragement and, the moment it sets in, attack it with all vehemence. Don’t give in, but rebuke it because it is from the devil, whose desire for you is to be discouraged and crushed in your spirit. You might say, Sir, are you saying that when I am going through some challenges, I should just ignore them and everything will be alright?” Oh yes, that is exactly what I mean. Refuse to panic or be confused, maintain your confession, stand on the promises of God, and ”…continue in steadfastly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving…” Colossians 4:2 (NKJV)

Today’s Rhema

What you are going through is only temporary and will soon pass away!

Confession for the Day

Thank you, heavenly Father, for encouraging me with your word today. Indeed, I am encouraged, and I go about my activities today depending on your promises, for I know that your promises are true and they will certainly become a reality in my life. Praise God!

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