Overcoming Discouragement: Lessons from the Bible • Sunday Service

Overcoming Discouragement: Lessons from the Bible • Sunday Service

Website: www.PastorTodd.org

To support this ministry: www.ToddCoconato.com/give

I believe God has got something for us today. I believe he's made something on my heart and I know that many of you are dealing with this. I've been feeling overwhelmed with stress, with discouragement, but the Lord gave me a breakthrough in a victory over it this week.

The Bible says life and death are in the power of the tongue and so if you've allowed somebody's words to take root in your heart, or maybe you've had somebody die recently in your life or you're just kind of feeling like you're at a midlife crisis point or you've got a tough decision that you're trying to walk through and figure out the right thing to do, we're going to get to the root of this today. We're going to we're going to take this on and I'm going to explain to you what this is.

Scripture 1: Psalm 42:11

"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God."

Example: King David

David faced numerous challenges, from Saul’s pursuit to his own sin with Bathsheba. Despite these, he consistently turned to God in his lowest moments, exemplifying reliance on God’s strength.

Scripture 2: Isaiah 41:10

"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Example: Prophet Elijah

After a major victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah faced threats from Jezebel and fled into the wilderness, feeling utterly alone and discouraged. God met him there, providing comfort and direction, demonstrating that even in our isolation, God is with us.

Scripture 3: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."

Example: Apostle Paul

Paul faced immense persecution, imprisonment, and hardship. His steadfastness amidst these trials serves as a testament to finding strength and purpose in Christ.

Scripture 4: Philippians 4:6-7

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Example: Job

- Job's story is one of extreme suffering and discouragement. Yet, his persistent faith and honest communication with God showcase how to maintain trust in God despite circumstances.

Scripture 5: Hebrews 12:1-2

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."