If you told me to prepare a gourmet meal you could keep on telling me until you are blue in the face. It is not going to happen. BBQ and scrambled eggs are about the top range of my culinary skills.
If you told me to fix your car you are in a mess of trouble. I have never fixed anything on a car. Changing the tyre is about what I can do.
If you told me to sing in an opera you will have only empty seats. 'Happy birthday to you' is within my range but only with a lot of help.
Why am I telling you this?
Because it would be silly of you to tell me to do something that I'm unable to do. Even if you had all the authority in the world, I can only do what I can do. Telling me to flap my arms and fly to Hawaii, will not make it possible. Ever.
It would be reasonable to expect that if you told me to do something, it would be something I am able to do. Otherwise, you would just be wasting your breath or setting me up for failure.
Now on a different note.
We all struggle with discouragement. It is a uniquely human trait that none of us can escape. We get discouraged for a variety of reasons. So what if I told you God tells you to do something with discouragement. At least ten times in the Bible He says the same thing about discouragement. Ten times!
… Don’t be afraid! Don’t be discouraged!’ (Deu 1:21 NLT)
Do not be afraid or discouraged, … (Deu 31:8 NLT)
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. … (Jos 1:9 NLT)
Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. … (Jos 8:1 NLT)
“Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged,” … (Jos 10:25 NLT)
… Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart! (1Ch 22:13 NLT)
Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, … (1Ch 28:20 NLT)
… This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, … (2Ch 20:15 NLT)
… Do not be afraid or discouraged. … (2Ch 20:17 NLT)
… Do not be afraid or discouraged. … (2Ch 20:17 NLT)
Do you get it? God says about 'discouragement' very simply that we should NOT. As if we are able to simply choose not to get discouraged.
Do you think He would tell you to do something that you are unable to do?
Is it really as simple as, 'Don't!'?
Yes it is! And here is the reason.
There is another thing that God repeats. Take a look at the same scriptures!
…, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deu 31:8 NLT)
…For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Jos 1:9 NLT)
… for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. (1Ch 28:20 NLT)
… for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2Ch 20:15 NLT)
… He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. … for the LORD is with you!” (2Ch 20:17 NLT)
You can say no to discouragement for He is with you!
It is as profound as that. It is as simple as that.
Take heart, dear friend. You are not alone!
