I heard about a college student named Ashley who was preparing for a big presentation. As she was working on the project, she kept hearing things like, “You’ll never be able to accomplish this,” or “You’re going to fail because you don’t really know what you’re doing.” As discouragement began to overwhelm Ashley, the Holy Spirit prompted her to “take captive” every thought, as the Bible talks about in 2 Corinthians 10:5. Ashley soon realized that her negative and discouraging thoughts were coming from the Enemy, and clearly not from God.

So, instead of believing the voices she heard, Ashley dove into God’s Word. She read biblical truths that lifted her up, such as Isaiah 41:10, which says, “Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my right hand.”

All of us will experience discouraging words from the Enemy. He may tell you that you don’t know enough about the Bible to share the Good News. Or you don’t have enough experience to take that business risk. Or that you won’t be successful at chasing after a dream.  When you hear these thoughts, take them captive. And replace them with God’s encouraging Word for your life – His promises. This is Luis Palau.