Sermon by Daniel Carpenter
We all face discouragement. But what can happen if we dwell in the cave of discouragement?
We can, as Job's wife advised, curse God and die.
We can become shortsighted about what God is doing.
We can push others away by being negative.
We can become easy prey for the enemy.
Sure signs of unsafe moorings:
Little or no preparation for the stormy day.
A faulty anchor system.
No captain to give orders.
Just going with the flow.
False belief systems that breed discouragement:
Viewing ridicule as a reason to quit.
Protecting the big "I".
Thinking that the safest place is isolation from others.
Not recognizing others' efforts.
Steps for staying afloat:
Stay close to God and share struggles with Him.
Stay open to hearing God's still, small voice.
Never underestimate God's power.
Rest in God's ability to raise up others.
Stay busy and useful for the work God has for you.
1 Kings 19