Facing Discouragement Head On

This past year was full of health challenges and after a couple of surgeries, I thought I was headed for a new year of better health, but things haven't gone the way I expected.

Over the past month, I've struggled with even more issues, visited several doctors, and still have no answers. Friday I went to the doctor again and found out I need another endoscopy. (I've already had 4 done in the past.) When I heard the news I became very discouraged wondering if I was ever going to feel good again. 

That afternoon, I spent most of the day crying and praying asking God for help. I felt so helpless and alone. I didn't want to burden my friends or family with my problems. I've always tried to be the positive one, the one with rose colored glasses. And to make matters worse I haven't been sleeping. Why am I sharing all this very personal information? Because I need prayer. I'm human. I'm weak. 

We didn't go to church today because of my health issues. Instead, we watched an old sermon by Pastor Adrian Rogers. The sermon was on discouragement and boy, what a timely message! 

Adrian gave Biblical reasons why we face discouragement which included fatigue, frustration, fear, and failure. As I listened, it was like he was speaking directly to me. I'd faced all those recently and they'd really weighed me down. 

Thankfully, he also reminded me, as I listened, how to pinpoint causes of these feelings and how to combat them. The keys, he said, were to renew your strength by remembering God's constant closeness, to remember how He's protected and provided for you in the past, and to keep your eyes fixed on the Lord. 

Before the sermon ended, he shared a poem (author unknown) that gave me a little kick in the rear- 

"I want to let go, but I won’t let go. There are battles to fight, By day and night, For God and the right— And I’ll never let go.

I want to let go, but I won’t let go. I’m sick, tis true, Worried and blue, And worn through and through, But I won’t let go.

I want to let go, but I won’t let go. I will never yield! What! Lie down on the field and surrender my shield? No, I’ll never let go!

I want to let go, but I won’t let go. May this be my song: “Mid legions of wrong— Oh, God, keep me strong That I may never let go!”

I know there are many fighting their own battles today, and like me, discouragement may have wrapped its fist tightly around you. If you're struggling, please don't give up. Heed the words from Adrian's sermon and the poem I've shared. More importantly remember these Scripture verses: 

"I can do ALL things through Christ to strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

"For God has NOT given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ ALWAYS leads us in triumph (as trophies of Christ's victory ) and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere." 2 Corinthians 2:14 

Please pray for me in the days ahead:

1. That the test will be scheduled this week and the problem will be discovered. 

2. Pray for my gastroenterologist, Dr. Woods,  to have wisdom to know best how to help me. 

4. Pray the tests don't reveal a cancer recurrence. 

5. Pray for me to have the ability to combat discouragement with faith. 

Thank you so much.