Theme Knowing that God is with us and Guarding ourselves against Discouragement.

Introduction

It’s possible to be in the presence of God and not realize it. There may be serious stages in life when you go through the wilderness and hardship.

Thoughts on hardships

1.This could be a form of punishment.

i) The Israelites went through the wilderness for 40 years as a punishment. They were made to wait for 40 years for something they should not have waited for (Canaan). God was angered by their fear.

ii) There are also situations of lack. (Hagg. 1:6). Their lack was a punishment for their neglect of the house of God.

iii) Diseases (John 5:14.) – Jesus at the well of Bethesda. He healed the man and told him, “Sin no more lest a worse thing come upon you.”

-If the wilderness is a form of punishment from God we should repent- 2Sam 21:1
David realised that the famine in the land was not a common famine. So he went and sought the face of the Lord. When he sought God, God gave him directions after which it rained. The Bible says, in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me oh Lord…see if there is any wicked way in me…” and adds in John 5:17-19, “Behold, happy is the man who God corrects…”

2.This could be a time of preparation

-When Joseph was abandoned by his brothers, he went to Egypt and was in the house of Potiphar. He started flourishing in stature and appearance and the devil tested him. Potiphar’s wife started desiring for him. He refused and was falsely accused of rape. He was thrown to prison, but the Word says that God was with him (Gen. 39:21).

-King David started from humble beginnings to become king. He took a long route as compared to Saul who easily became king. David was prepared through the wilderness. He became an example of how Jesus would reign on earth.
-Sometimes the long process of preparation can be discouraging.

Dealing with discouragement:

Isaiah 42:1-4. God has to give strength to Jesus so that He would not be discouraged.

In times of discouragement,

a) God will give you a friend. 1 Sam. 23:14-16. The story of David and Jonathan.
b) God will give you a word to hold on to. Luke 2:26.
c) God will give you an assignment. The Lord gave an assignment to David, Joseph and everybody else that he had set apart.

Conclusion

It is important for us to realize the assignment that the Lord wants us to undertake.

©2022, Editorial Team