The devil, according to legend, once had his tools for sale at a public auction. When the prospective buyers gathered, there was one oddly shaped tool which was labeled “Not for sale”. When the buyers asked him to explain why that was, he answered, “I can spare my other tools, but I cannot spare this one. It is the most useful tool I have. It is called Discouragement, and with it I can work my way into hearts that would otherwise be inaccessible. When I get this tool into a man’s heart, the way is open to then plant anything there I may desire.

I heard this illustration in a sermon a while back, and kept it in my notes because I remember thinking how true it was that Satan uses discouragement as a means of tempting us to give up. If he could discourage enough Christians to quit and not pursue the work we are doing for God’s Kingdom, he would love it because it would mean he would have less threats to worry about!

Satan will try to use negative people, challenging circumstances, health issues, or several other things to discourage us. But when discouragement comes, let us cling to the hope we have in today’s verse. First, who is it that will face troubles? According to today’s verse, the righteous person will. So, if you are being attacked, then you are doing something right! You are a bigger threat to Satan and all his schemes than you think. Gather strength knowing that greater is HE that is IN you!! God has given you the victory.

Secondly, when we are attacked, because at one point or another we will be, let us trust that the Lord hears us when we call and will come to our rescue EACH TIME. Wow… this sends chills up my spine! Let this be a motivation to get back up and keep going. Whatever the task God has set before us, we are not alone. Satan can try all he wants, but we are children of the Almighty King and we will not be shaken because we are standing on Christ our Rock.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you because you hear me when I call and will come to my rescue. When temptation comes, or discouragement wants to bring me down, I pray you would remind me of who I am in you. Death could not defeat you and that same power is in me through your Holy Spirit. I ask that you reenergize me, motivate me, strengthen me, and allow me to refocus on you and the work that you have set before me. Thank you for never leaving or forsaking me. You are a good and caring Father in whom I can place my trust. In Jesus’ precious name I pray, amen.

1. Psalms 34:17-19 (NLT).

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.