# 15 – Discouragement

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast 

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

Co-hosts:  Wendell Morton and Dale Eudy 

WHAT?

Our topic today is something that inevitably every man will face at some point in his life: Discouragement.  Discouragement can be found in our job or career, our marriage, our role as a father, or it can be found in our finances or past failures or even dealing with our sin.  So, let’s begin with the $1million dollar question - Why is discouragement such an issue for many men today? 

SO WHAT?

Discouragement is often felt with an unmet expectation, a personal failure – or some perceived or real setback in our life.  The bottom line is realizing that I am not the first man to face this and I can find a way to set a new course by gaining perspective and preparing for what is next.

But where does discouragement come from?  There times men can create the perfect storm for discouragement by isolating themselves when it comes, thinking that they alone have to have the answers for every situation they will face. Men often see themselves as self-sufficient or believe they need to be.  We think that our skills and experience combined with our passion for something will certainly lead to success.

Scripture speaks about discouragement too.  Throughout both the Old and New Testaments we find the accounts of unmet expectations, loss of control and realizing we can’t fix everything, fear of the unknown, doubting ourselves, harsh treatment from others, the father wound, and unexpected tragedy can all lead to discouragement.

For example, remember in the book of Numbers 13:31-33, the 12 spies had gone into the promised land. 10 reported that there were giants in the land, and they should stay put.  Only two saw the giants and figured that with God on their side they could capture it. A minority report turned into great success when they relied on God.

The Apostle Paul challenged the church in Corinth to Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.  I Cor. 16:13-14

NOW WHAT?

So, the next time you start to feel discouragement, here is what you might think about doing: 

1. Keep the main thing the main thing by maintaining perspective.  

2. Recognize that failure can be a great lesson for your future – what can I learn at this time.

3. Check your ego. It’s not about you, it is about getting out of.

4. Find a mentor.  It is important to have men around you who have walked thru this journey before you. 

5. Chart your own course.  Your journey is your journey so decide what really matters.

6. Play by the right rules and the right rewards will come.  Focus on your actions and giving your best work.

7. Break the negative patterns and build back into your life.

Questions to think about: 

What are the kinds of things that discourage you? 

How can we focus on eternal things that bring passion and zeal into our lives? 

Greatest news of all – Jesus says: If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Rev. 3:20-21 

Excerpts from this lesson have been taken from two of Jim’s other books: Finishi