THE ENEMIES PLAN FOR YOU PT. 2
The Enemy’s Plan For You – Part 2: Discouragement
1 Peter 5:8 — “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
Discouragement is often the second step in the enemy’s plan against us.
As we said yesterday, first comes doubt, that quiet whisper that questions what God has said.
Then comes discouragement, a heavy feeling that makes you question whether it’s even worth it to keep going.
Discouragement also rarely arrives loudly. It tries to settles in slowly.
A prayer that may seem unanswered or an effort that goes unnoticed, A burden that stays with you longer than expected.
The enemy knows he doesn’t have to stop your calling if he can just drain your strength.
He doesn’t have to destroy your faith if he can simply dim your hope in Christ.
Discouragement says, “It’s no use.”
But God says, “Stand still and see my Saving Power.”
Throughout Scripture, we see faithful people who face moments of deep discouragement.
Elijah, after a great victory, sat under a juniper tree and asked God to take his life from him.
His strength was gone. His emotions had made him weary.
Yet God did not rebuke him, or leave him. God restored him.
Food, rest, and a gentle word from heaven lifted him back to his feet (1 Kings 19).
We need to understand that Discouragement distorts our perspective.
It makes progress look like failure and delay look like God’s denial.
That is why Discouragement is so dangerous, not because it feels heavy, but because it blinds us to what is still true.
Galatians 6:9 —
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Notice the phrase — if we faint not. The reaping God’s promise is not the question. Our ability to endure is.
Discouragement also feeds on isolation. When believers pull away, grow quiet, and disconnect, their inner discourage voice grows louder and darker.
God’s pattern is different. He sends encouragement through His Word, His Spirit, and His people.
Psalm 42:11 —
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him…”
The psalmist speaks back to his own discouragement. That’s important. You don’t have to accept every emotion as truth. You can answer it with truth.
There are times when you just have to encourage yourself.
When discouragement comes, do three simple things: rest if you’re weary, speak truth out loud, and take the next faithful step, even if it feels small.
Small steps still move you forward.
Discouragement is not a sign that you are failing. Many times, it is a sign that you are pressing forward, and the enemy wants you to stop.
Stay with it. God is closer than your emotions say He is.
