Have you ever faced discouragement? Maybe you are in a discouraging situation right now. It could be with your job, your family or a ministry involvement that you have.
I was reminded recently of a discouraging situation I had a couple of months ago. The reminder came in the way of a blessing because of that discouraging time. As I have mentioned a few times before I had the honor and privilege of leading fifth and sixth graders in the study of John during the last 32 weeks. The study concluded 2 weeks ago with an opportunity for everyone to share what the study had meant to them. One of the girls I led enjoyed the chance to learn our Scripture verses using puppets. Let me explain how that came about.
The children’s program was able to open all school age levels (first through twelfth grade) this year which was a huge answer to prayer. This is my fourth year of being a leader (with a few years break in between) and this is the first time ever that all school age levels were open. However, there were some space constraints. Since the class I led had the fewest students we were moved to a room that is used by the host church for storage. It made the most sense but I was not pleased at the time. It was mainly due to my being inflexible. But then, that same week, none of the students showed up for us to teach! I was discouraged and had a pretty big pity party. My co-leader and I referred to being demoted to the storage closet!
Little did we know the blessings we would receive for our flexibility (once we got used to the idea). On a shelf the girls found 2 puppets (which they named Bob and Bill) and used the puppets to repeat the memory verses each of the following weeks. They even “performed” the verse to other leaders who came to the room. It became something that the girls would not forget.
Life is going to throw you some discouraging situations, especially if you are in ministry. As we work for God, what could be better to the Enemy (Satan) than being discouraged to the point of quitting? Quite frankly, if at some point you do not become discouraged or weary, you might want to question whether you are doing any good! But take heart….we are not alone. Jesus offers us peace if we will only ask.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33 NIV (emphasis mine)
The other lesson I learned in this situation is not to be so selfish and wanting everything my way. I’m quite certain that I am missing out on a lot of God’s blessings because of my rigidity. I want to take the easy, comfortable way. Jesus told his disciples in the passage above that they would have trouble. I think He was referring to situations far more painful and troubling than being in a storage closet but even then, Jesus offers His peace if we will just reach out and take it.
If you are facing discouragement right now, ask God for the peace that Jesus offers. My prayer is that your eyes will be opened to the blessings He has in store (or in a storeroom!).
Have a great day!