DISCOURAGED

There were a lot of valuable things said and discussed at this year’s Polishing the Pulpit. I thought one of the highlights was all the male speakers answering the question, “What do you do when you get discouraged?” All of these men were preachers, so it was good to hear their response. George Bailey’s main emphasis was to pray. Tom Holland used Barnabas as an example of an encourager. He encouraged us to pray, to read 2 Corinthians when you are discouraged and also consider Galatians 5:7, “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” Jeff Archey emphasized Galatians 6:9 “ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” He also talked about the importance of rest. Mike Winkler used Elijah as an example (I Kings 18-19). He was on the mountaintop one day, in the valley of discouragement the next. He talked about the importance of keeping a file of encouraging letters. It may be a small file, but keep it anyway! (I have one posted on my wall at this very moment). We also need to remember whom we are serving. Brad Harrub had several suggestions. We need to do random acts of kindness; we need to stay busy; we need to find friends who can help carry us; we need to laugh and we need to keep our eyes on the promise. Melvin Sapp reminded us that discouragement is not necessarily bad and the need to surround ourselves with good people. ”All sunshine makes a desert.” The thought that kept coming out to me was the importance of prayer, of friendship and remember you are a servant. Good advice for all of us.