Defeating Discouragement

By Adam Phiri

The world is full of discouragement. Pain , suffering , loss, disappointment
and trials which confront us everyday. However, this book seeks to give you
hope against discouragement.
its not just another book, but one that was birthed in prayer and fellowship with God.
It will edify you and point you to God who will Strengthen you
to carry on during your hour of trial.

It seeks to answer the question; how do we stay encouraged in a discouraging world
Giving you the hope you need to sail through the turbulent waters of life, Knowing
that God is our help, a very present help in time of trouble.
This book discusses the ever abiding presence of God during our time of crisis.
How to overcome discouragement, how great men in the scriptures rose above
the tide of discouragement and believed God despite their trials.
You will be encouraged and strengthened as you peruse through.
May God illuminate your mind and Spirit as you prayerfully read

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adam Phiri
• Release date: Sep 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311886446

Book preview

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to all who are going through a difficult season of their lives.I Pray that God will see you through and grant you victory.

DEFEATING DISCOURAGEMENT Copyright © 2015 by Adam Phiri.

Printed in Republic of Zimbabwe, under International Copyright Law.All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations em- bodied in critical articles or reviews.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT; [e-mail]

ISBN:  978-1517397203

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from the New Kings James Bible

Book Design: Adam Phiri

Cover design: by Njowa Vengesai, Vibration Designs

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Front Picture: Talent Ngwenya

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FIRST EDITION: SEPTEMBER 2015

Published by: Hestra Marketing

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Africa

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Contents 

CHAPTER 1.    5

Chapter 2.  16

Chapter 3.    22

Chapter 4.  89

Chapter 5.  103

Defeating Discouragement

Chapter 1

Introduction

Let no feelings of discouragement prey upon you, and in the end you are sure to succeed.

Abraham Lincoln

Life offers us a lot of opportunities and great expectations which keep us on track. However in the pursuit of our dreams and goals hurdles tend to be intrusive and can cause an array of frustrations if not handled properly.

There is so much pain and suffering in the world, marriages are breaking apart, businesses struggling, communities displaced by endless wars, sickness, death and poverty. There is so much injustice and pain everywhere. As a result many people face very bleak prospects. Scores of people have to contend with discouragement daily. Those who are overwhelmed fall into depression, while the overcomers awaken to victories untold.

Each of us in our journey of life do wrestle with pangs of despondency, an overpowering edge to give up, a strong contentious feeling that seeks to steal our hope and resilience. We live in a negative world Where we face situations that disrupt our normal life, but we can still stay positive. Life’s graph is never a straight line, it is interspersed with highs and lows, peaks and valleys.

Even the greatest biblical characters faced times of discouragement.Discouragement is one of Satan’s favorite weapons, and he has used it against God’s people from time immemorial.

We are also all too familiar with that feeling of despondency and that predicament to either go on or quit. The crossroads of life where giving up, seems more appealing than to go on.Its as though a veil of hopelessness covers our horizon.Sometimes it is projected through what we hear, when people spew verbiage and vitriol to create doubt about our ability to make it.

You may have encountered discouraged in the past or are currently battling a deep bout of hopelessness.

Indeed the world is full of tribulation yet our Master says be of good cheer. This disposition of cheerfulness is born out of encouragement.

You need encouragement, we must never underestimate the power of encouragement.

Encouragement is when we get courage but discouragement happens when some-thing causes our courage to sap away.

A series of calamities and pain can sometimes alter your disposition of hope if you succumb to it. Discouragement is part of our human dispensation and discourse and to ask a person if they have ever been discouraged is like asking them if they are human. I have personally gone through the most trying of times where my faith has been severely tested but have overcome each time.

Every day we see hopes and dreams truncated on account of discouragement. It is an epidemic that is crippling the very potential of our world; there is an unwritten axiom that if it seems too hard just let go.

As a result of this notion, many marriages are breaking at the very first instance of misunderstanding because discouragement just creeps in and voices of abandonment seem louder than love. Many hopes are being dashed by discouragement and great plans thwarted. Deep regret and depression soon follow and life comes to standstill.

There is a great need to understand this phenomenon and to mitigate its devastating effects.

One thing about discouragement is that it steals optimism, douses hope, and diminishes courage. It is one human emotion that is so commonly encountered and can bear the brunt of defeat.It is the difference between expectation and reality.

This book is born out of a desire to empower and encourage you in your hour of weakness. My prayer is that as you read this book a new surge of insight and revelation will emerge and give you renewed hope in your most trying times. I pray that you will rise unscathed from the valley of gloom.My desire is that you become strengthened in your journey despite all trials.

There is enough discouragement in the world; we need more encouragement, hope and inspiration.

God understands and knows the perils of discouragement in the fulfillment of destiny. Jesus says in this world you will have tribulation BUT be of cheer, for I have overcome the world.John 16:33. His words to a young Joshua as he takes over the reins of leadership are filled with this strong admonition not to lose courage. JOSHUA 1:6-9

Moses the great leader of God's people, was now dead, He had wrestled with Pharoah, had fought for the release of God’s people. As a deliverer of the children of Israel, he had seen many miracles, encountered God on the mountain, by whose rod the red sea parted. He saw the very hand of God scribble the 10 commandments.

At the sunset of his ministry, with an illustrious service to God, Moses rested with his fathers. God chose Joshua to take over the reins of leadership. That was a monumental responsibility and now the destiny of God's people was in Joshua’s hands.

This was a starting point, a new beginning of a future destined by God. It is important to note that at this starting point God gives instructions to Joshua which are critical to his attainment of the great vision.