Episode 2-36: 3 Ways we allow the Spirit of Discouragement to work in our lives

Welcome Back!  I am your host Dawn Simmons and in this episode of Conquering Our Unseen Enemies we are going to be discussing the Spirit of Discouragement.  Specifically how Discouragement works and how we not only allow it, but nurture it in the way we respond.  We will also have some real-life examples of managing discouragement.

As always let’s discuss our Top Show Points:

·      We discussed the Spirit of Discouragement

·      Discouragement is powerful.  There are three main reasons why Discouragement is so powerful.

·      First, the Spirit of Discouragement enters our life slowly, quietly, and in ways we don’t readily recognize.  Matthew 21, Jesus and the fig tree.

·      The tree was in the midst of everyone, it grew, it was recognized for what it appeared to be, but it was not what it appeared to be.  As a result, Jesus did not hesitate to dispense of that tree.  Likewise, we need to see the people around us, the words used over us and with us, the activities that we are doing and not doing for what they are to us in our walk with the Lord.  When someone or something is a discouragement, call it for what it is and do not let it hinder your relationship with the Lord. 

·      The second reason Discouragement is so powerful is because it can work with any demon grouping.  If you have listened to any of my previous podcasts where we discuss specific demons and groupings, we talk about how and why they work well together.  Some demons are just a more natural fit with others in their attempts to lead us to destruction.  The thing with discouragement is that it is a bit like vanilla.  Vanilla pairs well with nearly everything. 

·      Is there any area in your life you can think of that is completely immune to discouragement?  I can’t think of any.  Our careers, our family life, our marriage, our prayer life, our friendships, our finances, our businesses, all of it and more are all prone to have some aspect that we will feel discouraged by.  Like vanilla, discouragement comes with a cost and it is expensive.  If we allow discouragement to flavor any area of our lives, it can be hard to get it out.

·      The third reason discouragement is so powerful if we allow it is that it can and will keep you from moving forward with the Lord.  The whole point, the whole objective of Discouragement is to keep you from victory.  We have victory in every area of our life with the Lord, but if discouragement can keep you from taking ahold of that victory then it is fulfilling it’s role in satan’s kingdom. 

·      We can’t have victory if we keep losing over and over to discouragement. 

·      I gave you the beginnings of the story of my husband at Mt Fuji. 

·      My husband gave you his story of his climb on Mt Fuji

·      I shared with you the story of my son climbing Mt Fuji

·      All of the things we encounter in our lives provide an opportunity for discouragement.  It is how we allow that opportunity to grow in our lives that determines how deep our relationship with the Lord will become.

·      Discussed James 1:2-8, talking about trials and how we need to respond in time of trial.

·      Think of discouragement like your Mt Fuji.  Decide how you will handle your Mt Fuji.  Stay committed to overcoming discouragement and let it draw you closer to the Lord with every step.

We encourage you:

·       To have an active Bible reading plan, it will be helpful in gaining wisdom and understanding and it is required for the gift of spiritual discernment

·       If you want to learn more about how to Hear God's Voice, take a look at my book, Loving Conversations: How to Pray and Hear God's Voice.  There is also a Study Guide available and two devotionals out based on the Loving Conversations Book.  One devotional is for women and one is for men.  Those are available on the website www.lovingconversationssalo.com.

·       Come to my live event on 9/23 if you are in the Los Angeles area and experience the Holy Spirit, 80 Wood Rd, Journey the Church Office, for more details listen to the Invite I posted on 8/24.

·       Follow us in Instagram

I have enjoyed our time this week and look forward to spending time with you again next week!

  For the full episode, click the player below.