HPN Discouragement & Despair DevotionalSample

BATTLE DEFEAT

"Transformation is a process, and as life happens there are tons of ups and downs. It's a journey of discovery -there are moments on mountaintops and moments in deep valleys of despair.” Rick Warren

PRAY:  Lord, I want to be honest with You about what I'm going through; I know You can take it. You know that I am in process and that I feel fear, discouragement and sometimes even despair. Please show me that You are near, when I feel persecuted, abandoned, and struck down. Could you remind me that You are holding me up and that You will never let me be destroyed. I thank You, in faith, that as I feel death, that Jesus' eternal life is in my body, giving me strength. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen

REFLECT: Think through the times when you honestly felt hard pressed on every side, felt crushed and in despair? Have you felt abandoned and struck down? Have you ever even felt destroyed? Now reflect on how you can focus on Jesus and His resurrection life that is within YOU. It may be through prayer, meditation, or praising Him - find what works for you and change your focus from defeat to believing His promises for you. This may be a lifetime commitment but never give up, never surrender!

ACT: Start thanking the Lord for everything that doesn't go your way! Thank Him for the job you didn't get, the bills you have to pay, the spiritual growth that isn't happening. Thank Him for His perfect timing, even when He feels late - knowing that He will NOT let you down or allow you to be destroyed. Thank Him that you have died for Christ, but He is alive in you. Make this a daily habit and it will change you into someone who can handle anything, through Christ in you. You will see that you will not be in despair, you will not feel persecuted or abandoned, and you will not be struck down, because as you thank Him for ALL things you will feel victorious, regardless of your circumstances.