Courage, Dear Heart

Discouragement is one of those things that creeps into our lives slowly. So slowly, you almost can’t remember when it started, but it compounds with each bit of bad news, a strained relationship, or unanswered prayer. If only we recognized that it’s a path Satan never wants you to recognize as one of his favorites. 

The Children of Israel had so many great victories in a row… Pharaoh agreed to finally let them go! God led them by a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day… the waters parted… they walked through on dry land… they danced and sang as free people! God provided manna from Heaven, water from a rock, quail for meat… and YET, they became discouraged… to the point of wanting to go back to Egypt! 

Do we also forget all the answered prayers and victories God has given us and focus on the current troubles till they drown us in discouragement? We need a perspective correction. Scripture tells us that when we “Consider our present sufferings, they are not worth comparing to the glory (victory) that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). 

Our trials are temporary. Our hurt is momentary. But our victory in the Lord is a given! C.S. Lewis gave his readers a necessary reminder…  “Courage, dear heart, there are far, far better things that lie ahead, than any we leave behind.” Be encouraged today… your life is a story of victory in Christ. Your best days are ahead of you, reaching far into eternity, and will be beyond your wildest imagination. 

May God set our feet on the road of Hope and Encouragement and may we purpose with all our hearts to stay the course. Victory is ours!

(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)