Numbers 21verse4 ‘And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.’


How should you handle discouragement? This is what this series of teachings is all about and I trust that God will be putting some powerful resources into your hands that will give you victory over this common enemy of man. Discouragement comes to all of us and as you can see from our text scripture (Numbers 21v4), the children of Israel were discouraged because of what they were going through in the wilderness as they journeyed towards the promised land. Discouragement is no respecter of persons or colour; this is why you need to know how to handle this enemy. By the way, what is discouragement? It’s the loss of confidence or enthusiasm! It’s courage that is taken away. You and I need the courage to survive, succeed and even have significance in life. This is why you must not allow the enemy to steal or take away your courage because your life and destiny depend on it. Jos1v6,7,9.
Dearly beloved, discouragement can come from different sources or places and I would like us to consider some of the common sources of discouragement:

1. From people and places you know. This is what happened to Joseph; he did not get any support or approval from his brothers as per his dreams. His brothers were a source of discouragement.

2. From People and places you don’t know. A classic example of this is the case of Nehemiah. He faced several discouragements from the likes of Sanballat, Tobias and the rest of them. These were people that he didn’t know. Neh2v10

3. From people and places you least expected. A good example is that of Eliab, the senior brother of David, trying to discourage him from fighting Goliath. 1Sam17v28

4. From challenges and Problems that you are facing. I am sure many of us can relate to this very well. But whatever discouragement that you are facing because of your challenges won’t be forever. So cheer up. Rom8v18

5. From your Vision and Dreams. This normally happens when there is little or no support coming through for your dreams and vision, or nothing much seems to be happening yet. Heb2v3
My dear reader, no matter the source of your discouragement, I want you to know that you can handle them effectively. You don’t have to suffer in silence! Help is here today! I want you to know that you will overcome through the power of the word and Holy Spirit. And today will mark the beginning of your victory days in Jesus name, amen.

Other Scriptural References: 1Chro22v13: Deut31v6-7: Ps42v5,1: Exo6v9: Isa41v10

Prayer for Today: Heavenly father, I receive grace to be totally free from the yoke of discouragement and disappointment.


CONFESSION: Today, I stand against the yoke and spirit of discouragement. I refuse to be discouraged. Discouragement will no longer take control of my life. I take my deliverance and dominion. I receive grace and help to move quickly from every form of discouragement! Hallelujah!