Monday, March 7, 2016

Discouragement...

How to Overcome Discouragement...

My dad wrote this little booklet way back in 1965. It still speaks to me today, and to others too, as it has been re-printed many many times through the years. Dad always talked about the importance of the 2 R's in our lives as christians, regarding dealing with temptation and sin.

Recognize it

Refuse it


When we begin to 'entertain' discouragement, we get pulled in before we know it, our spirits droop and we lose sight of who is able to handle it. It can lead us into a great big pity party or worse, depression.

Dad wrote about 2 frogs. 

"I am reminded of the story of 2 frogs that fell into a large cream crock. The one frog gave up swimming and immediately sank to the bottom. The second frog said to himself, 'well, if I'm going down, I'm not going down without a struggle.' So, he kicked and paddled and churned, and the first thing he knew he was sitting on a cake of butter!"

Which frog are you?

I've been the first frog many times. I have also been the second frog. What a difference between the 2!

Dad goes further in this booklet, "I believe there are biblical grounds for believing that discouragement is a sin. Heb.1:1-2 says 'throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and... let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.' 

I use the term 'the sin of discouragement' because in Rom 14.23 we read "everything that does not come from faith is sin." Discouragement is not of faith. It is part of the doubt/belief pattern. 

There are some who think that discouragement is a valid part of the spiritual life.They have been deceived by discouragement, perhaps even to the point of "feeling spiritual" when they are discouraged. Let us be clear about this right now---discouragement is not one of the requisites for spiritual discipline, discipleship and development.

Whatever its source, discouragement does not come from God. God is "the God of all encouragemnt". Discouragement often gets hold of a person who is sensitive, sensitive to God and very sensitive to self. It is a form of doubt and unbelief, which in turn is connected with disobedience. Where there is unbelief there is disobedience, as 2 sides of the same coin.

When we recognize discouragement, we must learn to refuse it. The more radical the rejection, the more thorough the cure. The secret is to look away from self, to Christ, in faith, believing Him to deliver you. This is My work. You cannot do it, but be very firm and definite in your faith, EXPECTING Me to take care of it."

So many books have been written about discouragement that it is obviously something we all deal with from time to time, no doubt more often than we should. 

As with everything in our lives, there is a solution. I can't tell you how many times through the years I have thought of this little booklet, and been lead to apply the same principles in my life.

Recognize it

Refuse it


Thanks Dad, for always speaking the truth, in your words and in your life.




12 comments:

Debbie said...

Good morning...This was a great post and you [and your father!] have given us much to think about. I have never thought much about discouragement being a sin I will be honest. But explained the way you have I can see how it might be. I will also be truthful and say any time I have given in to discouragement NOTHING good at all ever seems to come from it. It makes me quickly depressed and at the very least "grumpy" and even bitter as I consider how I am "just not worthy" of whatever situation of thing has lead to my discouragement. I do believe our enemy Satan uses this particular emotion WAY more often then we might think to drag us down and make ineffective for Jesus.Thanks for sharing this today as I will definitely be thinking about it the next time I find myself going down the road of discouragement. Have a good week!

Farm Girl said...

Your Dad wrote the story of the two frogs? I always think that story to myself when I am down or when I am sad. I always in my mind think of that. That is so cool. So true as well. I wonder if I have that book? What you wrote is something I have read over and over.
That is so cool! You brightened my day today Sonja, Thank you.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

I wished you could hear me talking to this computer on this one!!! Welcome back, this is the word for the day...well for the year!! Amen, amen, I so needed this. You sure you haven't been listening in to my conversations? Great word.

Oh, last night, instead of lit candles they held up their phones. Thanks so much for sharing with me. I know my post on the subject weren't read by many, but that is okay, it was for me. It was what God was doing in my heart.

Blessings to you and the journey you are now on. Thanks for always sharing wisdom.

Vee said...

Fantastic! Now, go ahead, and tell me what you really think, Sonja! ☺ Recognize it and Refuse it...I think I can get my head around them. Thank you!

Sharon said...

Truth with a capital "T"!! I am so prone to discouragement, and I'm afraid that I'm not very tough on myself when I fall into the pit. I am inclined to think it's just my personality, or it's the natural result of tough times. Never really thought of it as sin. But I think your dad's words are spot on. Discouragement literally means the dismantling of courage, and when we're in that place, we give the devil a mighty foothold.

Let's not do that!! Let's refuse to give in to discouragement, let's resist the devil and rebuff his lies. God's way is the way of grateful faith...

GOD BLESS!

Debbie Petras said...

See how your dad is still able to offer encouragement to us as you share his words. I love that. And it's so true. It's interesting that our sermon yesterday was also on discouragement. So glad to read your words Sonja.

Love you,
Debbie

Marsha Young said...

Sonja,
Such a good word of truth. We should be "expecting Him to take care of it."
After all, as The Message version says in Col. 1:17, He is the one "holding it all together, right up to this very moment." :) And aren't we glad?
Wonderful post. ~ Marsha

Unknown said...

I am so blessed by this! What an encouragement to KNOW we are to walk away and "Refuse" to be discouraged! What a beautiful legacy we have in Mor Far! Tommy ordered 50 copies today to give out. I am so thrilled! Love you so much!
Thank you for sharing and encouraging all of us!
XOXO,
Dedra

manthano said...

Just coming through one of those discouraging times.
Appreciated the post. Thanks and God bless you.

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

This was like a daily devotional for me. Oh, I've had many discouraging times for sure but thankfully came through to the other side. A great post Sonja and I'll be "rooting" for the young man on The Voice.

Barbara said...

AMEN!!!Your dad is a very wise man...

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