How To Encourage People Who Are Facing Discouragement - Zech 4:6

How to Encourage People Who are Facing Discouragement - Zech 4:6,7

Quote: As much as 77% of everything we think is negative and counterproductive and works against us. People who grow up in an average household hear "No" or are told what they can’t do more than 148,000 times by the time they reach age 18.

Result: Unintentional negative programming that must be overcome or we will become a victim of defeatism. Shad Helmstetter in Homemade, January 1987.

We live in a world filled with discouraging situations, discouraging financial news and discouraged people. Without question, the number one way reason that Christians do not ascend to the highest level of spiritual maturity is discouragement. After, 9/11, 70% of the people in American admit to feeling fearful, apprehensive or discouraged about life. People who are discouraged generally lack confidence, enthusiasm or the conviction to do what is best. Today, many people are easily dissuaded, deterred or detoured from the path God wants them to be on. When people feel disenchanted they are less likely to love, to give or to serve, as they should. Many people get sick and miss work because they feel discouraged. Millions are depressed and need medication for their bouts with depression. More Christians are disengaged from Christian fellowships today because they have somehow given in to feelings of discouragement or have internalized their setbacks and say, "What is the use". The following a few principles that can be distilled from God’s encouraging message to Zerubbabel in Zechariah 4:6,7 where God says,

"This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, ’Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty. What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of God bless it! Go bless it."

1. POWER SOURCE: The Lord will work through us, not by human, but by His supernatural Spirit’s power. God will carry out His work through us by the power of the Holy Spirit who helps us do everything God asks us to do. Stop relying on your own feelings, friends or insights to come up with solutions to your problems. Try spending at least ten minutes every morning getting your power from God’s word before you head out the door. Stop trying to fight the battles with your own strength. The battle is the Lord and He will give the victory over your fear, hurt, or feelings of discouragement. Jesus said, “All power and authority has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” Praise God for His power in you to help you not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with the goodness given to you by the fruits of the Spirit.

2. PILOTING: The Lord wants to direct, guide and lead us in the ways out of the clouds of discouragements. The Lord told Joshua, "Be strong and courageous and act, do not fear or be dismayed for the Lord goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until ALL the work of the house of God is completed." (Josh. 1:7-9) Do not think you have to pilot your way to your destination as the Lord wants to navigate your through all kinds of troubled waters. God told Jeremiah, "I know the plans that I have for you says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope." Look to the Lord’s Spirit continuously to guide you with the still small voice of calm.

Song: "God will make a way when there seems to be no way. He works in ways you cannot see. He will make a way for me. He will be my guide, walking close beside my side. With love and strength for each new day. He will make a way for me."

3. PROVISIONS: So many people are discouraged because they think they do not have enough money, materials or resources. Other people are discouraged because they do not have any close friends. Paul wrote, "He who spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all. How will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things.” (Rom. 8:32) Whatever you feel lacking in terms of motivation, friends or blessings, the Lord will richly supply you with in abundance if you will simply ask, seek and knock until the doors of blessings are poured out upon you. He is able to deliver you from any and all discouraging people, problems and predicaments.

4. PROVIDENCE: Our Almighty God is a Providential Giver. He provides for our needs with His timely care. The Providential God foresees what we need emotionally, socially, physically and spiritually. His beneficent care supplies us all our needs according to His rich reservoir of resources found in Christ. Jesus. (Phil. 4:19) Trust Him to supply you with whatever you need financially, emotionally or socially.