Do Not Be Discouraged: a devotion by Ann Broughton

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV).

Have you ever gotten discouraged doing what you believe to be the Lord’s will? Maybe you have not seen results, and wonder if you need to give up. I love the above verse because God has a good work for all of us to do for Him, and it is up to us to fulfill it. If you have read the Bible, you must know that there are many people who wondered if they were up to the task God had for them to perform.

One of my favorites is Esther. (Esther 1-10) Here was a Jewish young woman, who God used to save the nation of Israel from annihilation. She was afraid to ask the king to help, but her guardian told her, “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:12-14 NIV). Now, first she had all the Jews fast for her and then she approached the king. He could have very easily had her killed for approaching him without being summoned, but instead he let her speak. She asked the king to spare her people, and he did.

God has put you where you are for a reason, and you must be His witness. I know it can seem hopeless at times, but God began a good work in you and will be faithful to complete it. He knows that you are the one to help those around you to see how God works in a person’s life who has committed his life to Him. We are to be different by showing self-control, encouraging others, and being concerned about other people’s welfare. You are to show others grace and mercy, just as Christ showed His mercy to you, a sinner.

Always remember that God has a specific purpose for your life, and he has given you the ability to achieve it.

Finally, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).

Dear Lord,

Help me to not grow weary in doing your will, even when I get discouraged. I know you have a purpose for my life that I need to fulfill with your help.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen