The Battle For Our Courage Series

Nehemiah Chapter 4

The Battle for Our Courage

September 11, 2022

Nehemiah 4:7-12 NIV

“But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. 8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. 9 But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. 10 Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, "The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall." 11 Also our enemies said, "Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work." 12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, "Wherever you turn, they will attack us."

God knows how to give us courage. The enemy is skilled at taking away our courage.

Facts about Discouragement:

1. It’s common.

Everyone has been discouraged at one time or another.

Even animals can be depressed or discouraged – Have you ever looked into the eyes of a Chihuahua? (Show Photo) https://tenor.com/view/crying-sad-chihuahua-meme-gif-23705370

2. It’s chronic.

Being discouraged once does not give you immunity to the disease. You can be discouraged over and over again. In fact, you can even be discouraged by the fact that you are discouraged a lot.

3. It’s contagious.

Discouragement spreads by even casual contact.

People can become disheartened because we’re discouraged.

What Causes Discouragement?

1. Fatigue

Sometimes the best remedy for discouragement is a long nap, or a few days out of town.

2. Frustration

Most of us are living with unresolved grief and disappointment.

We don’t need God to be something new. We need him to be the same as yesterday.

3. Failure

Sometimes we just must regroup and start over. It is ok to fail because failure is never final.

Every great human achievement was accomplished because someone didn’t give up.

Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm. Winston Churchill

4. Fear

Fear is the great crippler of our generation.

Psalm 23:1-4 NIV

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”