Jan 13, 2012
How one word removed discouragement
Driving to an appointment
Yesterday as I drove to an appointment I felt discouraged.
I had woken up feeling low. I spent time in the Word and prayer — which was helpful.
But as I drove, I thought about some problems and disappointments — and the discouragement came back.
Discouragement
You know how discouragement is — it colors everything.
My life looked dismal. I felt like a failure. My future was bleak.
You get the picture.
Trusty 3×5 cards
But as I was driving, I pulled out the trusty 3×5 cards I use for Bible memory.
The next two cards covered Ephesians 1:3-14, which I’d already memorized. So I started reviewing.
I did not have much faith — but I did pray and ask God to meet me, strengthen me, encourage me.
Verse 11
I was quoting the verses to myself one at a time. But then I got to verse 11 —
In him we have obtained an inheritance …
For some reason that word “inheritance” made me stop.
I have an inheritance. I’m going to see God. Face to face. Forever.
All of a sudden I FELT IT.
I was like an unemployed person — stressed about finances — suddenly remembering he had $10 billion dollars in the bank.
Everything changed
Before — my discouragement so clouded my thinking that all I saw were problems.
Now — the inheritance broke through that discouragement like sun breaking through fog.
The certain joy of seeing God changed everything.
The problems and disappointments did not go away. But they were no longer the only thing I saw.
Now I saw the inheritance — my certain destiny of seeing God forever. And that gave me joy, peace, and strength.
The Father opened my eyes to one word — inheritance — and my discouragement vanished.
What a mercy.
Take-aways
- No matter how strong they are, feelings do not necessarily reflect reality (Psa 42:5).
- No matter how little I feel it, God’s Word always reflects reality (Isa 40:8).
- No matter how discouraged I am, God can transform my soul through His Word (Psa 19:7).
- This is a perfect illustration of how, when we hear God’s Word with (even a little) faith, God provides the Spirit and works miracles (Gal 3:5).
Next steps
What are some ways God’s Word has revived your soul? What questions does my experience raise? Feel free to leave a reply below.
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(Picture by stirme on stock xchng.)
When I was afraid about being in the spotlight for an event I had to lead, I went back to a verse I had memorized, “You alone are to be feared” (Psalm 76:7) and it gave me courage not to forge ahead despite my fear of what people thought of me or what people might say or what might happen or how I would do, knowing I really just needed to fear God enough to obey Him, knowing He would take care of the results.
A really comforting verse through the upheaval of international moves is Psalm 57:2, “I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed.” I love that word disaster combined with the word refuge, because however badly something turns out, even if it is a total disaster, God will be my refuge, wherever in the world I am, and I can hide in Him through it all. I have had this verse on my desk in the past two countries we’ve lived in.
Thanks for your sharing such helpful insights, Katherine. I love how you use God’s Word in such everyday, practical ways — I’m sure this pleases Him greatly.
Thanks Steve. This couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time. It’s amazing how the Lord works that out.
Ron
Good to hear from you again, Ron. Thank you for your feedback and encouragement — it means a lot. May the Father richly bless and strengthen you today, brother.
The article and replys have been encouraging and helpful for me. I agree with Ron R.; It really is amazing how the lord works it out that we receive what we need at the appropriate time.
Tara
I am so glad you found this helpful, Tara. Thanks for letting me know.
In Christ,
Steve Fuller
I pray to God that he will give me the Holy spirit to help me with all my problem, for me to see love and joy in life!!!that I will be able to over come all my fear of the future!!!
Love you God with all my Heart
Help me!!! I am lost
As you trust Christ, ask him to pour his Spirit upon you, and set your heart on the specific verses in God’s Word, he will surely do this. He has promised.
Let us know what God does for you.
In Christ,
Steve Fuller
It seems that in the last few years god is trying to get close to me. When I was young,just a boy god and I had alot of fun and talked everyday but as life went on like other friends we went our separate ways. I’m so glad god put us back together but I have a long way to go. I have missed that feeling you get when you realize god is all around you protecting you from everything that can hurt you. I need god to help me forgive myself and stop feeling like I dont deserve him to forgive me. I dont know why I feel this way but I do. Lord I love you with all my heart and trust you with all my heart and know you wouldnt give me anything that I couldn’t handle.
Thank you for sharing your story, Richard.
It’s beautiful news that because of Christ’s death and resurrection, by faith alone we can be completely forgiven and accepted by God — and know that his loving presence is all around us.
In Christ,
Steve Fuller
God bless,
Great article, I needed this as I struggle with thoughts of helplessness and despair. That feeling of loss even as I put my trust in God and things just don’t work out right. But… I do trust and believe it’s all in His time. May the Lord increase my faith during this time.
Thank you I read all your blogs today. They were encouraging and made me smile. Thank you for being a faithful servant of our Lord.
Your blogs have been so helpful to my husband and I. We have had a number of struggles in the last 8 years, personal and financial. Your blogs offer sound suggestions for getting through. we have been reminded that its ok to ask for Holy Spirit power every minute if we need it, in fact I get the impression lately that that is what my Father wants from me – and to receive good advice for getting through the bad days. I was glad you mentioned to keep doing the reading and praying until you feel changed. I believe that is where I have fallen short. Thank you, thank you, thank you – and God bless because you have made a difference.