Tips for Struggling with Discouragement (Part 2)

Last week we talked about . . . 

When we get discouraged, it's often because our EFFORTS don't meet up with our EXPECTATIONS. When that happens, we'll either give up or want to give up. 

Shackleton's adventurers

Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton's first experience of the polar regions was as third officer on Captain Scott’s Discovery Expedition, 1901–04, from which he was sent home early on health grounds.  

In 1913, he planned another expedition, and he ran this ad in the London Times:

"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success."

Legend has it 5000 men applied for what Shackleton defined as a great adventure.

The book of Acts is a Believer's call to adventure, call to be worldwide storytellers of Jesus.  The book of Acts also tells readers about real people who went on an adventure. Last week we talked about being spiritually self-disciplined.

2. Be ready for war--spiritual attacks will come!

Scripture says you will know them by their fruit. 

We tend to view that into recognizing a Believer. If you're a Christian, then the Fruits of the Spirit will be evident in your life. But that biblical truth goes beyond the common assumption.

If you're oozing discouragement, anger, resentment, jealousy, despair, etc, then, hear me now, those aren't from God. And it time to quit blaming the hormones. Those negative, critical thoughts in your head aren't yours and certainly aren't from the Holy Spirit. It's time to take a stand against them. Choose to quit living in the "Oh, woe is me" muck.