The sermon was about the prophet Elijah. Elijah had just went up against 400 of Baal's prophets. They all were testing Elijah to prove their God was more powerful than the God of Israel. No matter how much they prayed, hurt themselves, or what sacrifice they made; they were unable to bring fire down from heaven. Elijah prayed to God and all that was before them was consumed by fire. After this magnificent showing of God's power, he returned back to Jerusalem. Queen Jezebel was furious of the defeat of the prophets. So she sent word to Elijah that she was going to kill him. So Elijah flees to the wilderness. Elijah had just defeated four-hundred of Baal's prophets, yet was scared of one woman.
In the wilderness God came to Elijah. Elijah was so distraught from the words of the queen that he asks God if he can just die. God told him to get some rest and had food brought to him. It seems almost impossible that someone who sees all of God's power first hand could still be discouraged. After awhile of rest, God returned to Elijah and basically said, "Ok you've had time to rest and eat now get back out there." And I feel this was what He was saying to me as well. I put it to a brother of mine as God giving a Godly suck-it up buttercup. In other words, there is no need to be discouraged "I got this."
Just like the Israelites in the wilderness, we tend to forget what God has already done for us. We complain about what He's not giving us, but forget how He has already provided so much. But like Moses I want more of God's glory. We all should. We should yearn to see God move in our lives and the lives of those around us. When you get discouraged just know that what God is giving you requires preparation, focus, commitment and patience. Discouragement is the enemies favorite tool to use against you. He knows there is greatness inside of you. Kick the devil in the teeth. Don't give up.
Did you ever notice that when the Lord told the discouraged fishermen to cast their nets again, it was right in the same old place where they had caught nothing? If we could only get off to some new place when we get discouraged, trying again would be an easier thing. If we could be somebody else, or go somewhere else, or do something else, it might not be so hard to have fresh faith and courage; but it is the same old net in the same old pond for most of us. The old temptations are to be overcome, the old faults are to be conquered, the old trials and discouragements before which we failed yesterday to be faced again today. We must win success where we are, if we win it at all, and it is the Master Himself, who, after all these toilful, disheartening failures, bids us `try again.'
I found this old story that shows how harmful discouragement can be. It was announced that the devil was going out of business and would offer all tools for sale to whoever would pay his price. On the night of the sale they were all attractively displayed,—and a bad looking lot they were: Malice, Hatred, Envy, Jealousy, Sensuality, Deceit and all the other implements of evil were spread out each marked with its price. Apart from the rest lay a harmless looking wedge-shaped tool, much worn and priced higher than any of the others. Someone asked the devil what it was.
"That's Discouragement," was the reply.
"Why do you have it priced so high?"
"Because," replied Satan, "it is more useful to me than any of the others. I can pry open and get inside a man's consciousness with that when I could not get near him with any of the other tools. When once inside I can use him in whatever way suits me best. It is so much worn because I use it with nearly everybody, as very few people yet know it belongs to me."
It hardly need be added that the devil's price for discouragement was so high that it was never sold. He is still using it.
Just remember, though Satan may try to drive a wedge into your life, and possibly succeed in doing it, know that through it all God is saying, "I GOT THIS!"
