Discouragement

Why do we oftenFail In God’s Work?

Isa . 40:28-31

28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the the everlasting Godeverlasting God, the Lordthe Lord, the Creatorthe Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

31 But they that waitthey that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wingsmount up with wings as eagles; they shall runthey shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk,they shall walk, and not faint.

He gives us strength..Phil. 4:13

This is the measure of strength the LORD gives us –

strength to soar above strength to soar above everything else.everything else.

They shall run and not be weary, they shall They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint:walk and not faint:

This is the purpose of the strength the LORD gives us - strength to move forward and progress for Him.

It isn’t strength to show off, but strength to go forward in

The Order:

First we mount up with wings like eagles.

Then we run.

Finally we walk

First, We Soar Up Eph. 2:4-6

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Then We run.. Heb. 12:1-2

12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Then We walk.. Col. 2:6

6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

God gives us directions, so whydo we often fail to do God’s work?

Examples of Those who did God’s work…

Jesus.Jesus. John 9:4

Matt. 17:1-5

PaulPaul2 Tim. 4:7-8 I Tim. 1:15 despite the

fact that he had persecuted the church

He did God’s work.

Timothy Phil.2:19-23

 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

Those who failed:

Demas Though he started out good, Col. 4:14 “Luke, the beloved

physician, and Demas greet you.” 2 Tim. 4:10 “For Demas

hath forsaken me, having loved this present world;

Ananias and Sapphira

With Peter and the others. Told a lie about their offering

Acts 5:1-11.

???Why?

Why do some people serve God Faithfully, while others give up And Quit?

Lk. 9:62And Jesus said unto him, No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Questions we often ask ? Why isn’t the church prospering ? Why aren’t we growing ? Why are we facing internal problems ?

Answers we often giveo People don’t want to listeno The condition of the world is so wickedo It is so discouragingo We have so much religious opposition

Why?

Discouragement

James 1:2-4Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for

great joy. For you know that when your when your faith is tested,faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (NLT)

Do you feel forsaken? Heb. 13:4-5

Do you feel forsaken? Perhaps you've just forgotten: God is able. Just as he supplied manna

each morning for the Israelites in the desert, he will supply for you

. Seek him daily and trust him to provide everything you need. Prov. 3:5-6

Turn to the Lord for your renewal!

Isaiah 40:31 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall

renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Discouraged : “I can’t go on”. (Phil. 4:13)

There is a process at work in the life of every believer

. We are being changed into his likeness, but it cannot happen overnight

. Give God time to produce his ever-increasing glory in you.

2 Cor. 3:18

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (NIV)

Psalm 9:10

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you

Discouraged: Because of all thetroubles in life!

Reach Out…go on..don’t let theworld of trouble overcome you!

Joshua 1:9 Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go

Someone has said:

We are called to go—go into the world. God tells us to be courageous as we face the

dangers and the battles of life. We may not always travel in

safe territory, but we'll never be alone. Jehovah, our Salvation, is with us.

Quote:

Just as a hammer and high heat are used to forge instruments of iron,

God uses trials to develop genuine faith and strength of character in us.

I Pet. 1:6-7

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a though now for a little while you may have had to suffer little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Discouraged because of temptations

..worldly thoughts and deeds.

I John 2:15-17 Col. 3:2

Quote:

God is faithful. He always provides a way of escape.

When tempted, your job is not to bear up under the weight of temptation, but rather, to look for the escape route God has already provided.

I Cor. 10:13

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

How to Get over Discouragement

Keep busy…help others

John 9:4Gal. 6:10 Think more of others and less of self!

Quote:

The happiest Christians are those who have found the joy of serving others.

The quickest way to end a pity party is to find someone who needs your help.

Mark 8:34-35

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.

Remember what God says is a good medicine:

Prov. 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

Another version has it:”A cheerful heart is good

Medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”

How to get over discouragement..

Laughter is Good Medicine Smile. If today you can’t find a reason to smile,

take some time to focus on the lighter side of life! Enjoy your friends. Watch a comedy Read funny stories to your children,

grandchildren…Put a smile on someone Else’s face!

Getting over discouragement ..Your suffering is temporary!

Although you may be suffering right now, it's only temporary.

God, who is infinitely wise and skilled, knows just how to care for you.

Rom. 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Psalms 31:24

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.

Psalms 37:25

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Psalm 91:14-15

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Isa. 35:10

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

John 14:1

Let not your heart he troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

John 14:27

Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

How to get over Discouragement

Remember others…2 Cor. 4:8-9

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Gal. 6:9

And let us not he weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Remember:

Refuse to become discouraged by defeats you have experienced!

History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed

. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats. --B. C. Forbes

What others in life have said about discouragements:

[W]e must believe in ourselves or no one else will believe in us; we must match our aspirations with the competence, courage and determination to succeed. --Rosalyn Sussman Yalow US medical physicist

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything? --Vincent Van Gogh

Courage is not the lack of fear. It is acting in spite of it. --Mark Twain

Every great work, every big accomplishment, has been brought into manifestation through holding to the vision, and often just before the big achievement, comes apparent failure and discouragement. --Florence Scovel Shinn

Someone has said:

Pain nourishes courage. You can't be brave if

you've only had wonderful things happen to you.

I will not be discouraged by failure; I will not be elated by success.--Joseph B. Lightfoot Author Nationalities, Politician Quotes

Someone has said:

I have become down-hearted, I have become discouraged, I have become depressed. I'm just like you. I'm a human being and I have my problems.

I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.--Thomas A. Edison 1847-1931, American Inventor, Entrepreneur, Founder of GE

Don't be discouraged if your children reject your advice. Years later they will offer it to their own offspring.--Source Unknown

Charlie Christopher: My daddy said:

Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men who kept on working.--Source Unknown6

I Can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Phil. 4:13

Isa. 40:31

31 But they that waitthey that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with mount up with wingswings as eagles; they shall they shall runrun, and not be weary; and they shall walk,they shall walk, and not faint.

Don’t forget the prize!!!!!!!!

Heb. 11:6Heb. 11:6

2 Tim. 4:7,82 Tim. 4:7,8 Rev. 2:10 Rev. 2:10 Rev. 14:13Rev. 14:13

Have we failed God?

I John 1:9James 5:16

Next week

2) Procrastination 2 Cor. 6:2 “Behold now is the

acceptable time…”

Proverbs 13:4 - The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 12:24 - The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

Proverbs 20:4 - The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; [therefore] shall he beg in harvest, and [have] nothing.

Proverbs 27:1 - Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Luke 9:59-62 - And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Ephesians 5:15-17 - See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Proverbs 12:25 - Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

Luke 12:35 - Let your loins be girded about, and [your] lights burning;

John 9:4 - I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Luke 12:40 - Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Matthew 25:2-13 - And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 - For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

2 Corinthians 8:10-14 - And herein I give [my] advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

Matthew 25:26 - His lord answered and said unto him, [Thou] wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Matthew 8:21 - And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Acts 24:25 - And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

1 Peter 2:2 - As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Ezekiel 12:28 - Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.

Matthew 24:48-51 - But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

Matthew 5:23-24 - Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

go… don’t put it off…do it now… Today…not tomorrow 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and

go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Hebrews 4:1-7 - Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

Matthew 19:16-22 - And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

Romans 1:20 - For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

A wise person does at once, what a fool does at last. Both do the same thing; only at different times.

If you wait until the wind and the weather are just right, you will never plant anything and never harvest anything.

Elijah went before the people and said, How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him. But the people said nothing. [1 Kings 18:21]

Don't put off till tomorrow what can be enjoyed today.

Don't wait for someone to take you under their wing. Find a good wing and climb up underneath it.

When a man does a household job, he goes through three periods: contemplating how it will be done; contemplating when it will be done; and contemplating

You may delay, but time will not, and lost time is never found again.

Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today

There is nothing so fatal to character as half finished tasks.

If at first a task is first begun, Be the labor great or small, Do it well, or not at all.

Procrastination is the bad habit of putting of until the day after tomorrow what should have been done the day before yesterday.

Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.

How soon not now, becomes never.

He who awaits much can expect little.

If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it.

Procrastination is my sin. It brings me naught but sorrow. I know that I should stop it. In fact, I will--tomorrow!

One of these days, is none of these days.

There are those of us who are always about to live. We are waiting until things change, until there is more time, until we are less tired, until we get a promotion, until we settle down -- until, until, until. It always seems as if there is some major event that must occur in our lives before we begin living.

During a very busy life I have often been asked, How did you manage to do it all? The answer is very simple. It is because I did everything promptly.

Kaitlyn…assignment…do it now ..today

The greatest amount of wasted time is the time not getting started.

All things come to those who wait, but when they come they're out of date.

Someday is not a day of the week.

(3) Indifference “I don’t care”

Apathy, Complacency, or Indifference

Apathy is a “lack of interest or concern, esp. in matters of general importance or appeal; indifference. . . . lack of emotion or feeling; impassiveness.”[i] Complacence is defined as “contented self-satisfaction. . . . Total lack of concern.”[ii] Complacency is the very opposite of diligence, industry, and fervency.

Paul writes, “Not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).

He says that we are to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

If we know and serve the living God, this should be the most wonderful, exciting, and eventful experience possible on earth. There should be no room for a complacent, apathetic, or indifferent attitude toward the Lord or to life in general!

We know how indifference can affect life in general in the secular world.

A teacher is dismayed when her students show an indifferent attitude toward his classroom work or home work. The government is disappointed when the citizens show little interest in voting for the candidates in a political race; they are simply indifferent to the political process. A manager is troubled when his workers arrive at work late and sluggishly do their job. He concludes that they are just indifferent to their required work, thus they may lose their job. The adjective indifferent means “having no particular interest or concern; apathetic.”[iii] It indicates “without interest or concern; not caring; apathetic.”

This attitude is the very opposite of what God wants—and deserves! In effect, what we are saying is: “God, I know you are the absolute Ruler of the universe and I should be excited about Your choice of me and enthusiastic about Your service, but I don’t really care!” An apathetic person is saying, “Jesus, I realize You went to the trouble of dying for me and You live today, but I’m not that interested in living for You. You just don’t excite me!”

We find young people who are utterly apathetic to spiritual pursuits. (Thankfully, there are some who do seek the Lord.) If they are in the world, they may be actively engaged in sports, in worldly music, in computer games, and in sports car racing. Besides being involved in these worldly activities, they simply don’t have a holy zeal for God and His will. They are what the Bible calls “dead.” One who “gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives” (1 Timothy 5:6). God calls us to be “alive” for God, fully engaged in what pleases Him and accomplishes His will in the Kingdom.

We also find people apathetic toward Bible reading and even if they do manage to read the Bible, they have no concern about solid Bible study and Scripture memorization. We find people indifferent about meeting for admonishment, for worship, and for Christian fellowship. We know that many are complacent about personally worshiping God, singing praises to Him, and praying to Him. They are spiritually indifferent. They are spiritually dead

Jesus says to the lukewarm people at Laodicea: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). He calls on them to “be zealous and repent” (v. 19).

Schlink writes: We must get rid of our indifference. It is such a

serious sin in God’s eyes. We have to regard it as our worst enemy, which will bring us into destruction, into the kingdom of darkness, full of torment and horror. We have to fight against it. We have to beseech Jesus and call to Him who has abolished death, and believe that He, Life Himself, can and will awaken us to divine life. But at the same time we must commit ourselves to being “shaken up” by God’s chastening hand, which will arouse us from our indifference

Instead of having an indifferent or apathetic attitude, Peter urges us, “Prepare your minds for action” (1 Peter 1:13). Paul writes, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve” (Colossians 3:23-24). Solomon wrote, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). The Christian has reason to be actively engaged in the tasks he knows will be pleasing to the Lord. Let us totally renounce the careless and indifferent attitude displayed by so many!

Let us cast aside the lackadaisical attitude displayed by the masses and live like Christ’s return is near, the Judgment is approaching, and only what we do now will count for eternity!