Ephesians 2:10, New International Version

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

It seems as though so many people are battling discouragement. It is hard to get out of it when it seems to come at you from every side. But today, as I am writing this, I am reminded of a message that was given just a few months ago about persevering to do God’s will through adversity. I was reminded that when we are combating discouragement, we are to pray! We are to take it to our Father!

There may be times when we feel that nothing is going according to the way we thought, or we have these thoughts come into our mind that we aren’t good enough, not smart enough, not capable enough, and so on. In reality, that doesn’t line up with the Word of God. God’s word says in Ephesians 2:10 (NIV), “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV) says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” This passage of scripture is talking about Jesus, our Savior. We were created in Him, for Him, and through Him to do the good things God has planned for us, and we go in His strength to do it!

We must be able to discern where those thoughts or feelings come from. The enemy is known as the accuser of the brethren. He accuses day and night. He will destroy our confidence, because without confidence, how are we to move forward in the things God has prepared for us? Take it to the Lord in prayer! Lift your burdens to Him! If you are struggling, share it with someone you trust in the body of Christ who can encourage you in your faith and walk with the Lord, pray with you, and help you to get your sights back on Christ.

We all hold a place in the army of God. We all have a place on the wall! We all are of vital importance to the body of Christ. We all are made different, so that together, we strengthen each other and we strengthen the body. Knowing that we are not alone, but have brothers and sisters to stand by us, brings unity and strength to the body of Christ and brings down strongholds that try to bring themselves up against Christ.

Who we are in Christ is a beautiful thing. Understanding who you are and what you mean to God is so freeing. It is simple but profound and sometimes hard to grasp. We are children of God. We are fully loved and fully known by our Creator. Our hope is in Him and our purpose is in Him. Don’t let the enemy take you off the wall! Hold on to Jesus, the hope of glory!

“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 NIV)