Over the years, I’ve been thrust into more than a few discouraging situations—times when circumstances seemed almost designed to steal my hope. But I’ve determined not to let discouragement overwhelm me, no matter how bad things appear. Why? Because I know that in Jesus, there is always hope! Think about how a fire starts. Often, all it takes is one little spark touching the kindling. Faith can begin the same way—with a spark of hope. And that spark matters because when hope disappears, hopelessness moves in. When we surrender to hopelessness, we begin letting go of the very faith that reaches toward God for His answers, encouragement, and deliverance.
That’s exactly why the devil works so hard to steal your hope. He wants you to stop believing that God will help you. He knows what God’s Word says: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
If the devil had his way, he’d keep you discouraged continually. He’ll use circumstances to beat you down. He’ll attack your walk with God, burying you under false condemnation and trying to convince you that you’re an embarrassment to God. (I promise you, you are not!) He’ll attack your imagination, painting a picture of a future filled with darkness. Why does he do this? Because hopeless people stop expecting God to move. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 (NLT)
The devil will remind you of every failure while conveniently ignoring every victory. He’ll point out every flaw while ignoring the ways God has matured and changed you. He wants you focused on what looks impossible instead of what God has promised. But never forget why Jesus came! “…the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 (NLT)
Jesus demonstrated how to deal with the enemy. He didn’t negotiate with demons or entertain their lies. He took authority over them. Matthew 8:16 tells us that Jesus “cast out the spirits with a word.” There are moments when you need to do the same. When discouragement and hopelessness begin pounding on the door of your heart and mind, don’t invite them in! In Jesus’ name, rebuke the enemy and reject his lies. Then turn your attention toward God’s promises.
And that’s where something powerful happens. You spark your hope! How do you do that? That’s where I’ll pick up next time in Faith Is Kindled With the Spark of Hope. For today, refuse to surrender your hope. Your circumstances are not the final word. The devil is not the author of your future. God is! And as long as you have Him, you have reason to hope!
“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” Romans 15:4 (NLT)
Dear Lord,thank You that no situation is hopeless when You are in it. Help me reject the enemy’s lies and keep my heart anchored in Your promises. When discouragement comes, remind me that You are faithful and that my hope is always safe in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
