By Kristina Bolton
We’ve All Had to Deal With it
I can’t. It won’t ever happen. I am not good enough. This is not for me. That is impossible. Maybe I was wrong. I didn’t hear God correctly.
Have you ever said one of those phrases before? I think everyone has. It is something that finds us all. It may come through inner thoughts and conversations that we can never tell anyone. It attacks us when we are alone and vulnerable. It is strategic in its target. It is designed to destroy your confidence and purpose. It can affect your dreams, promises, visions, faith, businesses, and much more. It is an enemy of the chosen.
What is “it”? It is discouragement. According to Dictionary.com, discouragement is defined as a loss of enthusiasm and confidence. It is that feeling that combats your drive to do the thing that God has purposed you to do. It rides on the coattails of our lack, failure, and inabilities. It magnifies our weaknesses. Discouragement is a real thing that we’ve all had to face.
As minority women, we are naturally faced with a hard start. Attempting to make marks in a world that is governed by men and the majority can be a challenging task. Because of this, discouragement can easily find its way into our lives. As we make strides towards uncharted territory, the opposition is natural. So, don’t think that you are alone, or that something unusual has or is happening to you. Victory will always require a battle.
It is Silent
Discouragement is often something internalized and not vocalized. Generally, no one starts a conversation with, “I am discouraged.” People press every day in their businesses, lives, and ministries, with discouragement weighing them down.
We pass people every day discouraged and barely holding on. While they are sure of the visions, dreams, and promises of God, discouragement finds a way to come along and challenge their faith. When you open your eyes and look at your reality, you see some “fact” in the statements of discouragement.
Discouragement can find us at the most opportune time. As we venture along our paths, discouragement will use our crashes of error and unexpected events to come in. For example, we may receive a rejection or bad news, and discouragement follows. Then again, there may be times when there is not any particular event, but we somehow walk into the cobweb of discouragement and find ourselves entangled.
Discouragement can use any host as a means of travel. It comes through people, events, our thoughts, comparison with others, and time. It will even use our past as a means of transport. Discouragement will rehearse the hauntings of childhood trauma, verbal insults, and much more. It is a strong opportunist.
The Solution
1 Corinthians 10:13 King James Version (KJV)
(13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Despite what discouragement has done in your life there is a way of escape through God. What the Lord has called and given you, He is more than able to ensure that it comes to pass. The dreams, visions, and ministries that God has given are sure according to His word. Discouragement is like any other adversary we have faced. Stand on the Word of God, His promises, and His truth. You may find yourself alone, naturally, but the comfort of the Holy Spirit keeps you.
Sometimes identifying something and calling it out sets you free. Discouragement uses our silence against us. But what happens when we begin to tell our God about the problem of discouragement? He sends us help.
This article is to encourage you so that you don’t allow discouragement to grow into defeat. What God has placed in your heart to do, is not only for you but for those with whom you come in contact on your journey. People need your dreams, promises, ministry, and business. God has anointed you for a particular purpose, and it has to be fulfilled. So, go out and be great and make discouragement unfruitful in your life.
About Kristina:
Kristina Bolton is an emerging but experienced Christian author, writer, and speaker. She loves God with all her heart and it's evident in all she does. A very vibrant and colorful personality, Kristina is sure to put a smile on your face.
Kristina was saved by Jesus at the age of 19 and has been running toward the Father ever since. With a passion to see people live for God, she places a priceless value on souls.
She is a founding member of Carriers of the Glory Int'l Ministries in Tallahassee, FL where she serves as the Chief Armorbearer to her Apostle & Pastor, Sharon D. Walker. She is a wife and mother of 5. Kristina is simple, but yet complex all at the same time. She loves a good meal and ancient Chinese culture. A rare vessel in this hour, Kristina will always leave a lasting impression.