Feeling Discouraged?

Real Dudes,
These last few weeks I’ve really felt Satan attempting to plant the seed of discouragement in our home. Attacking my wife through her battle with cancer and the installation of a port. Overwhelming my daughters with College decisions. ETC. As an encourager it has been challenging to bring their spirits up. Knowing I can’t tell them how to think or feel makes it hard to observe. I pray that God will give me the words to say, and that I’ll only speak at the right moments. Being present for them and giving them hugs is sometimes all they need. What I never want them to question is…does their husband, father even care. My actions relay the message of sincere love and care for what they are experiencing. 
Let me ask you this…who in your life seems discouraged today? Who needs you to be present for them? Don’t assume they’ll make it through it on their own and that they’ll make it through unscathed. Are you willing to come alongside them and go through it with them? Are you willing to be interruptible enough to show you genuinely care about what they’re going through? 
I’d like to leave you with an article I read a few years ago. The author / pastor stated that “Sometime ago during a workshop on deliverance the teacher shared this story. Satan was conducting a  sale of  tools he used  to  influence and infiltrate the lives of people. The objects were spread out on tables available for the taking. They included arrows of jealousy, the hammer of anger, the dagger of worry and the slingshot of doubt.  But one tool stood out above them all.  Displayed prominently on a pedestal high above the rest of his tools was the wedge of discouragement.  It was dented and worn from a lot of use and was the most expensive tool in his arsenal of deceit. There was a large number of evil spirits showing interest in that particular item.  Satan stood very close to it as if to protect it.
Many of the demons asked to purchase the wedge  but were told it wasn’t available. It was the sole property of Satan.  After a while one large aggressive demon angrily asked , ‘why not?’ He was told you’re  welcomed to anything  here but not this item.  This wedge of discouragement is invaluable.   It  is the one item in my possession that is indispensable. Nothing can take its place because it never fails to do the job. He said, it was easy to use and takes hardly any effort.  All I need do is to get the very tip of the wedge into my victim and the rest is easy.  Once the wedge is in I just keep applying pressure as it slides in deeper and deeper.  Often I don’t have to do anything, my victims drive the wedge deeper all by themselves.  That’s why this wedge is my prized  tool. 
In my personal life, as well as mentoring and pastoring others, there is no doubt in my mind  this short story is true. I have never forgotten it. Over the years I have seen discouragement play a huge role in the destruction of man. Discouragement, destroys, demoralizes, disappoints, causes depression and  despondency . It inhibits, distracts and sidetracks. There is no greater emotional hindrance that causes such great destruction and heartache as discouragement. Discouragement is the opposite  of the  freedom that is the inheritance of those who follow Jesus.  The moral of this story is quite clear.  The smallest bit of discouragement can derail your life and dreams… if you let it.”
Take some time to pray for those who are discouraged. Pray for their release from discouragement. If it’s you, then please reach out to me…would love to be praying for you as well. Here for each of you!!!
Song: What is the first line to His Eye is on the Sparrow by MercyMe? What’s the answer? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvNZmBnH360 
Practicing His Presence,
Pastor Nate

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