Thursday, 10^th August 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: HANDLING DISCOURAGEMENT

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgot him” – Genesis 40:23

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. When and why is it important to wait on the Lord?

Discouragement is something we all encounter in life, one way or another. It could come in the form of words, the silence of trusted men, or their action or inaction.

However, in life, your ability to press on, irrespective of discouragement, is a sign of maturity and resilience.

Precious one, when discouraging circumstances persist and are not dealt with, it can frustrate a lively soul. This is the situation Joseph found himself in. From his father’s house, his brethren seized him, sold him, and considered him dead, never to find him again. Potiphar’s wife lied, and he was imprisoned. In prison, he was made an overseer by the prison keeper. However, when Pharaoh’s two officers—his chief butler and chief baker—were incarcerated, the captain of the guards (Potiphar) charged Joseph to take care of them. It was beginning to seem as though Joseph was created for servitude.

One morning, Joseph realized that these two officers were sad. What’s the matter? They had had dreams that night, and they do not understand. Joseph heard their dreams and interpreted them. Pharaoh’s butler had good news from the dream, but the chief baker’s dream had bad news. Joseph, having suffered for too long for no wrong, quickly reminded Pharaoh’s chief butler, “But think on me when it is well with you, and show me kindness, I pray thee, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house” (Gen 40:14). This plea of Joseph fell on deaf ears, and in three days, those two dreams Joseph interpreted came to pass. Pharaoh’s butler was restored to his position, yet he did not remember Joseph or make mention of him to the king.

This can be very discouraging, precious one, when people you’ve served or helped forget you at a time you need help so badly.

Beloved, the most natural response to discouragement is to complain. When discouragement persists, the temptation to conclude that God is unfair to you, that being good is not worth it, and that honesty does not pay starts bombarding your mind. Joining the ranks of those who have specialized in using any means to get what they want comes up strongly when people around you begin to question, “Where’s your God?” During times of discouragement, beloved, do this—turn to the pages of scripture and the comfort of the Word of God (Rom 15:4). You will find strength to carry on in Him and with Him. God’s Word can be trusted. Additionally, you’ll find the communion of the Holy Spirit, through prayer and meditation, invigorating. God can reassure you again and again that He’s working all things for your good if we spend quality time with His Spirit.  It is often sad when discouraged believers surround themselves with discouragers. Connecting with believers who are full of faith and the Holy Ghost will be immensely beneficial.

Precious one, when you are so close to God’s major milestone for your life, you’ll be hardest hit by discouragement, so you might turn back and return to Egypt.

No matter what, don’t yield to discouragement. Keep your head up.  The arm of flesh will fail you; never rely on man but on God. Only the everlasting arm of the Most High can keep your spirit, soul, and body blameless during and after times of discouragement. God bless you more

 

FURTHER READING – 1 Samuel 30

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How have you dealt with discouragement over the years?
2. How have you relied on God’s help during times of discouragement?

 

CONFESSION

Heavenly Father, I look up to you alone, in times of plenty and in times of few. In times when men have left me, I take comfort in the fact that I am never alone; you are with me. Your rod and your staff do comfort me. Hallelujah!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

1 Kings 4; Jeremiah 31; Mark 5