Last week, we learned about the spiritual roadblock of discouragement and the destructive, self-fulfilling prophecy that it is. We learned about how critical it is not to exalt our problems, but to instead, exalt God. This morning, we’re learning how to transform discouragement into encouragement.

Life as a Christian is not a life of ease free from burdens. Life as a Christian is a life that often faces even more trials and tribulations of the rest of the world as our enemy tries to silence us. However, life as a Christian is a life lived in the power and authority of the truth and promises of our all-powerful God. We face problems in this life, but we face them filled with the Spirit of God that cannot be stopped even by death itself! Paul said it this way:

2 Corinthians 4:7-9;16-18

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Joshua and Caleb were prime examples of this lifestyle as well. They chose to stand firmly on the promises of God in spite of the outward impossibility of overcoming their great enemies. Their enemies didn’t decrease in number or size or ability. Their obstacles didn’t become any easier. They had to deal with sin in their lives. Yet, they still chose to glorify God and exalt Him over all their problems. In time, as they moved forward fighting all the way, they proved God to be true and their problems to be history.

The rest of God’s very own people chose discouragement over encouragement. They chose to run away as cowards back to their slavery and harsh treatment over trusting in God’s miraculous ability to provide. Yes God forgave them, however, there were still consequences. They missed out on the promises of God’s blessings.

The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. In life, we do not always get to choose our circumstances. However, we do get to choose what our circumstances will do to us. Will we boldly boast in our Father, praising Him for what He is going to do, or will we cower away in fear and start spreading the bad news? Do our lips glorify God or do they exalt our troubles?

Dal shared with us about perseverance, which creates character within the life of a follower of Jesus. When trials of many kinds come our way, we need not blame the enemy for stealing from us like helpless victims. We need to start instead simply praising our God for maturing and completing us so that we lack NOTHING! Our enemy may be a thief, but our God is our restorer and rewarder who promises us the ultimate victory!

James 1:2-4

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Philippians 2:14

Do everything without grumbling or arguing

1 Thessalonians 5:18

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Instead of continuing to be a Moses generation that grumbles and complains, rebelling against God, and completely misses out on receiving the promises of God, let’s instead be a Joshua generation. Let’s cooperate with God and take what is ours, no matter what obstacles stand in our way!

Let’s instead choose to be a people that come boldly before the throne of God with full expectation of receiving every word that He has promised us. We must face our obstacles and impossibil