Dealing with Discouragement - by @Lori_Kennedy

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DEALING WITH DISCOURAGEMENT

By Lori Kennedy

"When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, 'The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.  They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.'  And the disciples were filled with grief." 

Matthew 17:22-23 (NIV)

I don’t know about you, but I get discouraged sometimes.  Sometimes I see the glass as half empty instead of half full.  When this happens, it’s important for me to recognize my discouragement might be coming from the way that I am viewing the situation.  That means there is some ability for me to find a positive perspective. 

Jesus predicts his death the second time in Matthew 17:22-23 (above).  The scripture says that the disciples were filled with grief even though Jesus said that on the third day he would be raised to life.  They saw the glass as half empty and were unable to comprehend the rest of what was said.  Remember that before Jesus came to the earth in human form, the concept of death was the end, not the beginning.  This was a very out-of-the-box concept for these men, and they were unable to find the hope in Jesus’ death, even though he also stated that he would be raised to life.  

Our capacity to understand this concept on this side of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is greatly increased, yet we still struggle with this concept.  Jesus conquered the grave, and his spotless blood covered our sins for all eternity.  We can now look at death as the beginning versus the end.  Revelation 21:4 (NIV) says, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away." 

It is a proven botanical fact that a seed that has been planted must die in order to grow into what it was designed to become and produce fruit.  Jesus spoke of this in the Bible in John 12:24 (NIV), “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.  But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”  It will produce many seeds because from the death of the original seed grows new life.  From this new life many seeds can be produced. 

Sometimes something in our life must die in order for new life to be created.  Sometimes this “death” can feel very discouraging.  If you’re feeling discouraged or shrouded by shame today, go to God and ask Him if there is anything in your life that must die in order to bring about new life.  Feel confident today in God’s character and promises.  There is hope for your future!

• In what areas have you dealt with discouragement?
• How have you handled it?
• What was the outcome?
• What is your Heavenly Father leading you to do as a result of what you've read today?

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Connect with Lori Kennedy at www.LoriKennedy.com 

Click here to view the video of Hillsong's "Desert Song"

Hillsong United - Desert Song (Official Music Video) from hillsong-united on GodTube.