COMBATTING DISCOURAGEMENT : REV JOSEPH ALIYU (NOVEMBER 13, 2022)

Discouragement is a natural response to the challenges of life. If discouragement is allowed to linger (dictated by our attitude - Philippians 2:5-6), it can lead to other complications in life such as temptations, doubts, and fears, among others, that ultimately lead us away from God. We must also be aware that there is an enemy, Satan, always seeking to discourage us and create obstacles for us to cause us to dwell outside of Christ. In 1 Peter 5:8, Paul describes him as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. In Ephesians 2:2, Satan is described as prince of the power of the air. He shoots fiery darts at us (Ephesians 6:16). Since we all have weaknesses, we must be aware of the devices he uses to get us down.