How to Encourage Yourself

I’ve learned I can hinder my ability to have faith simply by the words I say. If I say words that indicate I’m doubting that God is going to provide, then it seems my faith sinks to the level of what I’ve said.

I was teaching a women’s Bible study and we had been using books we purchased from the book store, and although I had never written one, I decided to try to write the Bible study we used.

The first week I presented my study, the class lacked enthusiasm. Much of it was too hard for them. One said, “I don’t think I’ve ever looked up Ezra before.” Another thought Chronicles was Corinthians.

I was about ready to scrap the first page. After class my mother kept suggesting verses some of which I had used, but she hadn’t noticed them. It was obvious she thought it needed help. I was getting discouraged.

Yet I still had faith underneath my discouragement.

After church a friend asked me how class went. I’m discouraged I confessed. Then after we got home I repeated the discouraging words to my husband. Then I noticed I was even more discouraged.

About 3:30 a.m. I awoke and realized I had displeased the Lord by talking about my discouragement. I slipped downstairs for prayer and I told the Lord I plan to continue to persevere with writing. Then I read that the Apostle Paul said he had fought a good fight, run the race, and kept the faith. He didn’t say he had accomplished great things. His reward was for his obedience; the increase was up to God to give.

Thank you, dear Jesus, for noticing when we continue doing what we know You want even when we don’t see results.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal. 6:9).