Galatians 6:9 ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.’

• DAILY READING Acts 8:1b-25; Deuteronomy 33-34; Job 20
• Charles H. Spurgeon, was revered as last century’s greatest Baptist preacher. Known as a prince of preachers, he preached over 600 times before he was twenty years old. His sermons sold about 20,000 copies a week and were translated into twenty languages. The collected sermons fill 63 volumes equivalent to the 27 volume edition of Encyclopedia Britannica, and “stands” as the largest set of books by a single author in the history of Christianity”

Yet despite his achievements, he was so plagued by discouragement, that he tendered his resignation thirty-two times in thirty-nine years.

One of the incidents that greatly discouraged him was what happened on October 19, 1856 when he preached for the first time in the Music Hall of the Royal Surrey Gardens because his own church would not hold the people. At this time Spurgeon was only twenty-two years old. The 10,000 seating capacity of the hall was far exceeded as the crowds pressed in. Then suddenly someone shouted, “Fire!”. But it was a prank. At this shout  there was great panic in parts of the building. Seven people were killed in the stampede and scores were injured.

Spurgeon was devastated by this calamity. However the very following day after the calamity on October 20, his wife gave birth to twin sons. Though Spurgeon suffered criticisms and several other discouraging incidents, he gradually discovered that such lows always seemed to precede new times of good things in life. So despite the persecutions Spurgeon kept on preaching in the midst of adversity and setbacks. He maintained his joy. His hearty laughter was well known. His humour also found expression in his sermons and writings.

Past heroes and modern champions of the faith have also at one time or the other encountered  bouts of discouragement. And it is interesting that many of them felt the most discouragement, just at the verge of breakthroughs in their lives. What does this tell us? That It is always darkest just before the day breaks. This is why you must never give up. Most challenges come at the verge of new horizons, just when you are about to break forth and rise to your new level. The enemy fights hardest at that point of emergence, because he doesn’t want you to get to your destined place. You are coming  into a new season, therefore do not be surprised if the enemy tries to discourage you through the people or circumstances around you.  

You can’t control what people do or say, but you can control how you respond. Most of the conflict we engage in is a distraction. The enemy’s aim is to get you off-course. Your job is not to mind people’s attitude. Your job is to run your race. Quit being sour about your critics,  they are helping your destiny. Without the betrayal of his brothers, Joseph would have never made it to the palace.  Instead of being discouraged, like David encourage yourself in The Lord. Sit down in God’s Word to receive fresh fire and unction. Focus on maintaining your joy. Though weeping may endure for the night, your joy is coming. Indeed your due season is here, and if you don’t faint you will surely reap. 

PRAYER: Lord, please help me not to become weary in well doing.. Please grant me the grace to keep going forward no matter the discouraging situations I may sometimes face. Thank You Lord for causing all things to work together for my good in Jesus Name. .  

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Illuminate your world for you are a star destined to shine. WORDBITE 222