Defeating Discouragement by Martin Wiles

Her leg was injured in PE class. Surgery would be necessary to repair the injury. Additionally, she would have to keep her leg straight for several months, and then follow this with physical therapy. Her predicament meant she would have to miss months of school.

Meaghan’s* teachers were pessimistic. How would she keep up? Her parents would help her at home-and one would bring her to school to take missed tests, but how long would this last? In spite of the naysayers, Meaghan excelled. In fact, her grades were superior to those she made while in class. Instead of getting discouraged, she proved her determination to finish well.

King Saul was a discourager. When a young, ruddy lad named David offered to defeat the giant who represented an opposing army, Saul replied, “Don’t be ridiculous…“There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth (I Samuel 17:33 NLT).” But David wasn’t deterred. With a stone and sling, he took the heathen down.

People who aim to discourage us are rampant. “You can’t do this.” “You shouldn’t try that.” “You’re not capable. You’ll just be disappointed.” Negative messages abound and so do the people who spew them.

When the actions I take are God directed, I can rest assured I have his support and power. David couldn’t be defeated because God was on his side-not the Philistine’s. When I’m doing what’s right according to God’s principles, I’ll be pleasing the One whose opinion matters most. What others think or how they respond is immaterial.

Don’t let naysayers keep you from obeying God’s plan of action for you. Forge ahead with confidence. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.

Prayer: All sufficient God, press our steps firmly in Your will even when others attempt to make us walk an alternate path.
*Name changed to protect the privacy of the individual.


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