Thursday, February 9, 2017

Dealing with Discouragement

 - Exodus 15:22-27

The passage in Exodus 15 (see Tuesday devotional for scripture) shares the story of how quickly life can turn from victory to disappointment and discouragement.  FAILURE - What was once your greatest joy and refreshment becomes your bitterness...job, family, friends, spouse, church…we are not deeply affected by things we do not care about. 
We Defend Against Discouragement By Remembering...
·      The Greatest Successes Of Life Are Often Followed By Failure.  v.22-23
·      The Greatest Services Of Life Are Often Followed By Forgetfulness. v.1-21,24
In Exodus 15:1-21 the people sing a hymn of praise concerning the power and provision of God.  IT'S ONE THING TO SING A SONG...IT'S ANOTHER TO LIVE A LIFE.  Exodus 15:24 says, So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" Who were they really complaining and displeasured by?  God. 
People forget the power and provision of the Lord so fast.  Mark 6: 52 speaks of the disciples when they "forgot the lesson of the loaves and their hearts were hardened."  We make the same mistakes repeatedly. We need to be taught the same lessons over again.
People forget their leaders so fast as well.  Don’t get discouraged!  If people will murmur against God we need to be sure that they have no problem murmuring against men.  What do we do when we think our services are forgotten?
·      Don't take it personally - We are ambassadors.
·      Don't take it out on those you serve.
·      Take it to the Lord.  Exodus 15: 25 Then he (Moses) cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet.
It not so important that people remember but that GOD remembers our service.
·      The Greatest Shortages In Life Are Always Followed By Fullness. v.27
They came to Elim and found 12 wells of water (which was one per tribe) and 70 palm trees (one per judge).  Remember the Loaves and the Fishes!  Mark 6 shows us there were 12 baskets full remaining for each disciple to be reminded of God's ability.  In our lives we have seen the drought turn to plenty so often that we are ashamed of the times we have cried in our want and lack of faith.


Scripture to Claim

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

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