discouraged – Page 7 – Wounded Butterflies

Life is full of problems and troubles and hurt. Even if you are living your life in a way that brings glory to God, you and I are living in a fallen world. That means we are surrounded by sin, we also commit sin and live each day faced with the consequences of our sin and the sins of others. Many days it is hard enough to just survive, let alone thrive in this fallen world. So how is a believer, (someone who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior), to live every day showing love and life when there is so much sin? We are to apply what Jesus taught us:

When there is chaos in the government, obey 1 Timothy 2:2. “Pray . . . for all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

If there is a person or people causing chaos in your life, obey Matthew 5:43. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. ⁴⁴But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

When you are surrounded by fighting or disagreements, follow Matthew 5:9. “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

Apply Romans 13:8 to all people you encounter each day. “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.”

When you are confused about your purpose in life, remember Matthew 28:19. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”

When you have had enough and feel alone, tired, weary or just need a reminder of the very last words Jesus said to you, read Matthew 28:20. “And be sure of this: I [Jesus] am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Jesus is right here, holding your hand, He will never leave you, never.

Let’s pray. Father in heaven, help us not to be discouraged by this fallen world we live in. Help us to walk by faith in You and Your Word. Help us to show love and speak life into those around us. Help us to trust in Your plan and pray for those who are not showing love or compassion. Lord, help us to grow in You and to be aware of the evil in this earth so we may stand firm in Your love. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

Do not let what you see around you discourage you from answering God’s call. When King Cyrus issued a proclamation and called the remnant to rebuild the temple, only those whose hearts were moved responded to the call. Ezra chapter 1 says, “In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah. He stirred the heart of Cyrus to put this proclamation in writing and to send it throughout his kingdom: ²“This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. ³Any of you who are his people may go to Jerusalem in Judah to rebuild this Temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives in Jerusalem. And may your God be with you!” Not everyone went to rebuild the temple.

There will be times when an invitation to do something for God is issued. Or perhaps an unexpected opportunity to bring God glory interrupts your day. Not all will heed the call or accept the invitation, including believers in Jesus. If you are burdened to do something for God, do it. If you feel the Holy Spirit leading you to say something, say it. Do not compare your actions and words with what others are saying or doing, compare your actions and words only to Jesus.

Let’s pray. Father in heaven, help us not to be discouraged by the lack of enthusiasm or willingness from those around us to show love to all people. Help us to walk by faith in You and Your Word instead of being beat down by all that we see going on around us. Help us to trust in Your plan and pray for those who are not showing love or compassion. Lord, help us to grow in You and to be aware of the evil in this earth so we may stand firm in Your love. In Jesus name we pray, amen.