BREAKING THE BARRIER OF DISCOURAGEMENT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Isaiah 40:31
Key Verse: “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.” - Isaiah 40:31
Supporting Texts: Psalm 42:11; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Hebrews 12:3; Galatians 6:9; 1 Samuel 30:6
INTRODUCTION:
Discouragement is one of the most subtle yet powerful barriers that confront believers on their journey of faith. It often comes quietly through delayed answers, repeated battles, unmet expectations, or weariness from prolonged struggles. When discouragement sets in, it drains spiritual strength, weakens vision, and makes the future appear hopeless.
Many great destinies have been threatened not by sin or failure, but by discouragement. The enemy knows that if he cannot stop you through opposition, he will try to wear you down emotionally and spiritually until you give up. However, the Word of God assures us that strength is renewed, not by circumstances changing first, but by waiting upon the Lord.
This sermon is designed to restore hope, rekindle faith, and empower you to rise above discouragement. As you learn to draw strength from God, every barrier of weariness, heaviness, and despair will be broken, and you will move forward with renewed courage and endurance.
1. RECOGNISING DISCOURAGEMENT AS A REAL SPIRITUAL BARRIER
Discouragement is not merely an emotional feeling; it is a serious spiritual barrier that can slow down or completely halt progress if not addressed.
a) Discouragement drains inner strength (Proverbs 13:12)
When hope is delayed, the heart becomes sick, making even strong people feel weak and unmotivated to continue.
b) Discouragement clouds spiritual vision (Numbers 13:31-33)
When the Israelites became discouraged, they saw giants instead of God’s promises, allowing fear to override faith.
c) Discouragement opens the door to withdrawal (Hebrews 12:3)
Unchecked discouragement can cause believers to withdraw from prayer, fellowship, and spiritual responsibilities.
d) Discouragement is often a sign of prolonged battles (Daniel 10:12-13)
Long spiritual warfare can exhaust the soul if strength is not continually renewed in God.
Biblical Example: Elijah became discouraged after great victory on Mount Carmel and asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:3-4).
2. WAITING ON THE LORD AS THE CURE FOR DISCOURAGEMENT
Waiting on the Lord is not passive resignation but active dependence on God for renewed strength and clarity.
a) Waiting renews spiritual strength (Isaiah 40:31)
Those who rely on God exchange their weakness for His supernatural strength.
b) Waiting refocuses the heart on God (Psalm 27:14)
As you wait on the Lord, your attention shifts from the problem to the Problem-Solver.
c) Waiting produces endurance and patience (James 1:3-4)
Endurance developed through waiting prevents discouragement from overwhelming the soul.
d) Waiting restores hope for the future (Lamentations 3:25-26)
Hope is revived when you trust God’s timing and faithfulness.
Biblical Example: David waited on the Lord through years of persecution before becoming king, and his strength was renewed continually (Psalm 40:1).
3. ENCOURAGING YOURSELF IN THE LORD
When external encouragement is absent, believers must learn to draw encouragement directly from God.
a) Self-encouragement is a spiritual responsibility (1 Samuel 30:6)
David strengthened himself in the Lord when everyone else turned against him.
b) God’s Word is a source of encouragement (Romans 15:4)
Scripture provides comfort, hope, and reassurance during discouraging seasons.
c) Praise lifts the burden of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3)
Worship shifts the atmosphere and restores joy to a discouraged heart.
d) Prayer releases divine comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Through prayer, God pours His comfort into weary and discouraged souls.
Biblical Example: Paul and Silas encouraged themselves through prayer and praise while imprisoned, and God intervened powerfully (Acts 16:25-26).
4. PRESSING FORWARD DESPITE FEELINGS OF WEARINESS
Victory over discouragement requires determination to keep moving forward, even when strength feels low.
a) Do not quit in the season of weariness (Galatians 6:9)
Breakthrough often comes just after the temptation to give up.
b) Focus on eternal rewards, not temporary pain (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
Looking beyond present struggles renews inner strength and perspective.
c) God supplies strength for each step forward (Psalm 84:7)
As you keep moving, God releases strength from one level to another.
d) Forward movement defeats stagnation (Philippians 3:13-14)
Refusing to dwell on past disappointments keeps discouragement from taking root.
Biblical Example: Nehemiah pressed on with rebuilding the wall despite opposition, mockery, and fatigue, and the work was completed (Nehemiah 4:6).
CONCLUSION:
Discouragement is a barrier that every believer will face, but it is not a barrier that must prevail. God has made provision for renewed strength, restored hope, and fresh courage for those who wait upon Him. No matter how weary or overwhelmed you feel, God is able to lift you above discouragement and empower you to continue your journey.
As you choose to trust God, encourage yourself in His Word, and keep pressing forward, the barrier of discouragement will be broken. You will rise again with renewed strength, renewed vision, and renewed determination to fulfil your divine assignment.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, I receive renewed strength as I wait upon You.
2. Every spirit of discouragement attacking my heart, be destroyed in Jesus’ name.
3. Lord, restore my joy and hope in this season of weariness.
4. I reject every voice of despair speaking against my destiny.
5. Father, empower me to press forward despite challenges.
6. Let divine encouragement arise within my soul today.
7. Every burden weighing down my spirit, be lifted by the power of God.
8. Lord, help me to trust Your timing and remain steadfast.
9. I receive grace to finish strong and not give up.
10. Thank You, Lord, for renewing my strength like the eagle.
