Word for the day "Advancing through Discouragement"
II Chronicles 15:7 (KJV) But as for you, be strong; don’t be discouraged, for your work has a reward.
Learning how to handle discouragement in your life’s journey is critical.
We as children of God have many reasons to be thankful to the Lord. Yet at the same time, even the most spiritual men and women often experience being discouraged in their lives.After all, we live in a world where unrealized hopes can be a catalyst and demands can be even higher.During this time in America: COVID-19, Political uprising, Police brutality, unprecedented deaths especially among people of color sets the stage for discouragement and broken hearts throughout the land.When we fail to meet the expectations of others or, for that matter, the expectations that we have set for ourselves.I just wanted to remind our subscribers or anyone who may be reading today’s blog message. God still has other plans for you and me (Jeremiah 29:11).The Lord knows exactly what He has purposed for our destiny (Romans 8:28-29).Sometimes taking a break to nourish yourself is a worthwhile activity, because doing so allows you to reset and do other worthwhile things.However, just sitting around in self-pity isn’t usually very helpful. To be discouraged is to have lost a sense of your courage. Yet our hearts are who we are as humankind.Consider with me that we are discouraged when we lose connection with our passions. It happens over time when we lack the complete perspective on our setbacks and failures.To see our discouragement with a complete perspective are not denials; its understanding of our setbacks and failures are a temporary part of our process.We must be willing to give our perspectives and heart to the Lord. Our surrender must be to the process, not to the results.
Our sense of encouragement is realized in our actions of taking courage.
To be encouraged, we must act “in” courage. Emotions aside, we must take action despite and sometimes in the very face of our fears and reservations.Regardless of the source of our discouragement, we must choose to act with courage, to act with the belief that we will succeed and none of our efforts are a waste of our efforts.Embracing that the source of any success we may experience is connected to God.When we seek to form a more intimate and dynamic relationship with our Creator, God in His amazing sovereignty renews our spirits and restores our souls (Psalm 51:10-11).The Lord offers us the strength to meet our challenges, and He offers us hope for the future. So, if you have become discouraged with the direction of your day or your life, turn your thoughts and prayers to God.I have discovered my surrender to the Lord, has an amazing way of getting me on the right track in my mind, body, and soul (Mark 12:30).
Point to ponder
If you’re experiencing discouragement, take a moment to reset your mindset and focus, instead, upon the amazing opportunities that surround you.Please believe me today ‘This too shall pass”. In the spirit of my leadership heart always remember “Leaders see more than others see, and leaders see before others see”.
Special thanks!
Pastor James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of October 2020, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, Ms. Annette Straker, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Darlene Simmons, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Theresa Lewis, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Judith Battle, Ms. Angela Battle, Ms. Evonne Bazemore, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. William Jones, Mr. Stan Harewood, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. Calvin Griffith, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.Thank you for using the word cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the donate link above to give as the Lord leads.Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Kingdom Blessings,