Fighting Discouragement
I initially intended to share a completely different message with you today. As I sat down in the Barnes and Noble café, I penned my recent feelings of discouragement and how I move through those moments. I took a break from writing to take a phone call. During this call, a family member shared an amazing story of God’s faithfulness in answering our earnest prayers about a specific situation. My heart was so full I began to cry right there in the café. I closed my computer, gathered my belongings, and walked outside. The tears kept flowing. I wanted to stop because I was in public but I couldn’t. I was so filled with gratitude to God for answered prayer. As she and I continued to talk, God really used her to encourage me.
We hung up and I headed to church for prayer. It had been a month since I stepped foot in my church. I was scheduled to work three Sundays in a row and one Sunday I was out of town. I had been working on Wednesday’s so I was not able to attend the mid-week prayer either. To say I was happy to be there was an understatement. I felt like I had been away from home too long. Being a part of this community has changed my life tremendously and I truly thank God. I have experienced so much personal growth, healing, direction, and even correction (which is good thing). I know this is where God has planted me to flourish and thrive.
After prayer, I stayed around for almost two hours. There were meetings taking place so the church was still open. During this time, I had the opportunity to speak with one of the Pastors. We served together once before but we hadn’t just sat down and talked. Our conversation flowed from one topic to the next. I listened intently, learning through her life experiences. She shared about various challenges she faced and overcame through the strength of the Lord. My tank was being filled with faith. When we left the building, I was not in the same head space. I felt strengthened and renewed. My situations may not have changed but my perspective did.
As I reflect my experience from yesterday, two things come to mind: the power of prayer and the value and importance of community. These messages are woven through the tapestry of the story I shared with you. The truth is prayer works and community was created by God. We see His hand in motion as He answers our prayers. We find strength and love when we gather and connect with like minded people. You know, I just realized this all speaks to different ways we can combat discouragement, which was my original focus for today’s post. Interesting.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gifts of prayer and community. Help me to be consistent in my prayer time. Help me not to only pray for my own needs but to also pray what is on Your heart for others. In the areas where I am feeling discouraged, please remind me that You are with me and You are for me. Thank you for being so near and close to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Until Next Time,
Live Audaciously!
Kay Naomi