Defeating Discouragement - Part 2

This is the conclusion of John’s article on defeating discouragement. While the article was originally written to pastors, the same truths of call, conviction, and constancy apply. Not everyone is called or can be called to ministry, but we are called to be a part of God’s family. As you read it, consider how the truths recorded here can help you navigate and defeat discouragement. 

A godly Pastor will do well to review his call, convictions, and constancy to cope with and defeat discouragement. By pursuing such a course of action, a Pastor will be able to win over discouragement in God’s power (Phil. 4:13). 

CALL

As the pastor remembers his call to the ministry, he will be encouraged in his spirit, strengthened in soul, motivated in heart and life.

The ministry is a trust from the Lord. The disheartened Pastor will be helped if he realizes anew that he was called by the true and living God of the Bible, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Isa. 42:8; Col. 1:3). God issued the summons to him to be a Pastor. This fresh awareness can do much to infuse the Pastor with a new vigor to fulfill his commitment to Christ for ministry.

The Apostle Paul was encouraged as he reflected on his calling. He testified, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, for he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1 Tim. 1:12). 

CONVICTIONS

During the valley times of discouragement, a Pastor can be helped if he will review the indestructible tenets of “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3).

A called and a godly pastor will meditate in his soul upon the truth of the Bible as the final court of appeals in all things pertaining to faith and practice. A Pastor will have great joy as he remembers that the Bible is God’s inerrant Word, given by inspiration (2 Tim. 3:16). The Bible states, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven” (Ps. 119:89). 

The Bible is an unconquerable fortress that withstands all the vain attempts of men to destroy it. It is an impregnable Rock of Gibraltar that rebuffs all the sinister attacks of men to invalidate its precepts.

A Pastor will be strengthened in his commitment to the Lord when he remembers that sinful people can never erase one letter from the alphabet of Bible truth. Sinful people cannot steal one number from the Bible’s mathematics of accuracy. They can’t take one spoonful of honey from its sweetness or keep one prophecy from fulfillment in the Bible’s plan for the ages or keep one promise in the Bible from blessing the people of God. 

The Bible has proved to be a practical Book. It has traveled more highways to the human heart and blessed more people than any other book. It has also spoken to more people in their mother tongue than any other book. 

As the Pastor continues to believe that the Bible is God’s inspired, authoritative Word, he is encouraged in his daily walk with the Lord. 

Numerous Bible texts provide a basis for encouraging the Pastor in his ministry. For example, we read: 

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.— Psalm 125:1-2

A discouraged Pastor may want to review his spiritual wealth by turning to Philippians 4:19 which states, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Meditating on those words, a Pastor now in low spirits can be renewed in purpose by remembering that God’s ability to supply is inexhaustible. God provides for spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical needs. 

CONSTANCY

Commitment to steadfastness will have a salutary effect upon the Lord’s servant in times of special need. Faithfulness is the golden key of success for the called men of God who walk with the Lord. It is a true axiom that quitters never win and winners never quit.

When God sees constancy in character, His power rests upon the victorious Pastor. Undoubtedly, harm has come to the Lord’s work because some ministers have traded integrity of soul for the expediency of material gain. Those wolves in sheep’s clothing have caused the Lord’s name to be reproached. The Word of God teaches that character far outweighs material wealth in value. The Bible states, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” (Prov. 22:1). 

Nothing will rob a Pastor of joy or deplete his motivation as quickly as discontentment.

This blight will manifest itself in the Pastor’s words and attitudes. If the Pastor feels dissatisfied, he will tend to speak critically of others and engage in murmuring (Exod. 16:7; Num. 14:27), a forbidden path for the Pastor. 

Contentment, in contrast, lifts the soul, encourages the spirit, warms the heart, and motivates the life. The Apostle Paul, who often experienced trials, said, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Phil. 4:11). 

The word “contentment” carries with it the thought of not being affected by surrounding circumstances. Paul was a prisoner when he wrote the book of Philippians (1:7, 13); nevertheless, he was content, which was remarkable in view of the circumstances. Paul didn’t allow his bonds to affect his faith in God and service for Him.

Because of Paul’s commitment to Christ, he didn’t become discouraged. Paul knew God controlled his circumstances. Paul saw an advantage in his being imprisoned, for he could share the gospel with those who guarded him (Phil. 1:12-13).