God Encourages The Discouraged
When we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.
2 Corinthians 7:5-6
A discouraged person is one who is without courage. The person is so downcast that they lose heart, see all things as negative and have no confidence in the future.
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The apostle Paul occasionally was overcome by this same pessimistic mindset. Nonstop traveling, financial shortages, ministry pressures, personal frailties, bitter opposition, concern for his converts and colleagues—add it all together and it’s no wonder even the great apostle sometimes felt overwhelmed.
But look again at the passage above. God encouraged the deflated apostle with the arrival of a beloved friend.
That’s God’s nature. He encourages those who are discouraged. Could you use a shot of courage and renewed confidence today?
GOD’S PROMISE TO ME
• I encourage the discouraged.
MY PRAYER TO GOD
Father, thank you for the portions of your Word that give me insight into the saints of old. They were regular people just like me, in need of grace and strength and help. Like Paul, I battle discouragement. I praise you for being the encourager ofthose who are discouraged. Help me find a renewed sense of confidence today.
