DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM PASTOR WESLEY August 22, 2024
Turning From Discouragement
For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
Many people view discouragement and disappointment as the same thing, but there’s a slight difference. Disappointment is an emotional response to a failed expectation, whereas discouragement, or despair, usually comes from prolonged disillusionment or continued hardship.
Since we cannot experience perfect success in a fallen world or keep ourselves from suffering, there’s no way to avoid all disappointments in life. However, we don’t have to yield to discouragement. With the right perspective of God and His sovereignty over us, we can avoid feelings of despair. When He, in His providence, allows failure and disappointment, it is part of His perfect plan, and He promises to use it for good (Romans 8:28).
If our confidence is in ourselves and what we can accomplish, we will always be disappointed. The only true remedy for discouragement is to put our hope in God. He alone can give us the courage to persevere, but we must be willing to look beyond the immediate to the eternal.
The Lord wants us to succeed but not necessarily in our self-reliant endeavors. Instead, may we all become victorious over despair and disappointment by trusting in and depending on Him.
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