Series Key Verse: “…we are more than conquerors through Him (God) who loved us.”  (Romans 8:37)

Introduction: While the word discouragement is only found in Scripture a few times, there are other words and phrases used to describe it: weary, faint-hearted, and loss of hope.

The Condition of Discouragement

• Fatigue  (Nehemiah 4:10a)

• Frustration (Nehemiah 4:10b) 

• Failure (Nehemiah 4:10c)

            discouragement from failure makes one not only fail but also makes one feel like a failure 

            discouragement from failure causes one to neglect their responsibilities

            discouragement from failure makes one negative and cynical

• Fear (discouragement means deprived of courage) (4:11-12)

The Cure for Discouragement

• Cry Out to God For Perspective (Nehemiah 4:9-10) (1 Kings 19:10) (1 Kings 19:18)

• Continue in the Work (Nehemaih 4:13)

• Concentrate on the Big Picture (Nehemiah 4:14-15)

• Carry Someone Else’s Burden (Nehemiah 4:16-18)

• Claim the Promises (Nehemiah 4:19-20) (Romans 8:31 Romans 8:37-39)

Application: 

Do you detect discouragement in your life? 

     - Fatigue

     - Frustration (overwhelmed)

     - Failure

     - Fear

Have you considered the cure found in God’s Word?

     - quit believing lies about yourself

     - identify the rubbish in your life

     - evaluate your situation - not by feeling but facts

     - cry out to God for perspective - big picture

     - claim God's promises

Breaking the Cycle of Discouragement:

Discouragement + Inaction + Lack of Experience + Ignorance

= Increased Discouragement

Replace this Cycle With:

Discouragement + Action + Experience + Wisdom (God’s Truth)

= Decreased Discouragement and Increased Victory