Topic: Discouragement
Text: Jeremiah 17:5-1

Discouragement is the devil’s chief tool. When discouragement overshadows someone, it will not be long before the person backslides. Discouragement can prevent you from getting to the glorious home. When does Satan use this weapon? One of the times is when one is in trouble; when it seems that one’s prayers are not being answered. Proverbs 13:12 says: “Hope deferred maketh the sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” When you are expecting something from God and God seems to not be responding, discouragement will set in. Satan would show you alternative ways of solving your problems. He would tell you that God would not answer your prayers. Always remember that faithful is He that made the promise and He shall fulfill it.

Satan also brings discouragement when it seems that unbelievers are progressing more than saints. It always seems that all is well for those who take short cuts. Satan will tell you to imitate their acts so as to progress and prosper. He will tell you that the Pastors are even taking short cuts, too. He will tell you to be a hearer only and not a doer. He will tell you to enjoy this world first before you go to heaven. Psalm 73:2-3 says: “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” The wicked man appears to be prosperous and wealthy. However, I counsel you: Never envy them. Satan would tell you to imitate them and pull of the garb of holiness. Don’t be deceived; it is only God that makes people rich without adding any sorrow to it.

The prosperity of the wicked ones is vanity. Prosperity without Jesus Christ brings problems. Jeremiah 17:11 says, “As the partridge sitteth on eggs and hatchet them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.” You are not to envy wealthy people. A wealthy man without Jesus Christ has nothing. Don’t let the devil deceive you.

Memory Verse: Proverbs 13:12 - “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; but when the desire cometh, it is tree of life”.