Learning to Walk by Faith in the Valley of Overwhelmed, Part 3
“Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army,
for the battle is not yours but God’s”
2 Chronicles 20:15b (NLT)
For the last couple of days, we’ve been talking about how to walk by faith even when you find yourself in the valleys of life. Maybe you’re there now! One of the most formidable weapons the enemy has against a Christ follower is discouragement. It often happens when we feel overwhelmed! Mothers of preschoolers know what I’m talking about. You just get the room picked up, and it’s a mess again! The clothes are no sooner folded and put away, and then they are dirty again. About the time the dishes are done, it’s time for the next meal! Can you relate?
Maybe the battle you are facing is even more discouraging. The diagnosis wasn’t good. The company is downsizing, and your position has been eliminated. Your husband or wife has lost interest in the marriage and wants out. There are more bills at the end of the month than you can handle. Discouragement can come in many ways. Life is full of battles. When King Jehoshaphat faced overwhelming odds, he was naturally afraid. That’s human! Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is stepping out in faith despite my fears. But how do you do that? God told King Jehoshaphat, “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours but God’s” 2 Chronicles 20:15b (NLT)
You and I can overcome discouragement if we will give the battle over to God. The main reason we get overwhelmed is we forget the battle is the Lord’s. It’s not our battle. Give it to God. Remember, you’re not alone. God is with you. It’s easier to remember this truth when you are connected with other Christ followers. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT), “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” We are called to pray for one another and encourage one another. If you’re not part of a church family like that, I want to invite you to our Membership Class this Sunday at Woodlands Church. You can register now and join us in person or online and discover the benefit of belonging to a faith community where you are encouraged in your faith journey.
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.