Discouragement will straight rob you in plain sight.

It’s sneaky, creepy and downright ugly. It gets to the best of us. I have had my go rounds with discouragement all through the pandemic and at times it seems it stays on the up and up. Why? Because there is so much I want for my future. There’s so many things God showed me that haven’t happened yet. There’s so much in my right now that I wish I could dump and move on but God says, “not yet”.

What’s the vision God gave you?

What are you still believing for?

Do you even still believe?

This is not the time to get down. This is the time to stand up!

How to stay encouraged for the future:

1. Prophecy your future

My friend is getting married. As I celebrate her new union I’m simultaneously reminded of how single I am (and have been). Wallowing in the feeling of loneliness won’t do anything about my situation. And listen, I don’t always feel lonely, this thing comes and goes. I am content in learning to love me more in between bouts of loneliness. While this is my current situation I do desire a healthy, key word healthy, marriage in my future and so I speak life into my future marriage and family. Maybe for you it’s that your marriage would stop being rocky and you’re back on the same page. Speak God’s word over your situation and what He showed you It is supposed to be. Speak and prophecy your finances, ministry, business, friendships, health, home. Take your eyes off the natural and see it in the spirit.

2. Be Faithful in your right now

Don’t get so focused on what you want that you forget to be faithful with right now. Can you handle what you desire with the way you’re handling things now? Do you need a mindset pr attitude shift? Maybe you need to learn to prioritize some things better or be more intentional overall. Often, the seasons we think are pointless are actually teaching us the skills needed for new season. So don’t despise where you’re at today. Soak in the lesson. I remember when random strangers would tell me to read my Bible more. Over the past 10 years I have read more than I had all my life, but now that I’m in school I know I could have done some more actual studying. I wish I would have known I would be in seminary and I would’ve taken my personal bible time even more serious. Just like, I know a lot of us, if not all, wish we would’ve saved more when we had less bills. Yet here we are. Learn the lesson of today so you can be well equipped tomorrow.

3. Prayer is a weapon

Prayer is a great way to break the walls to transparency. It’s a weapon that is used against the enemy, but it’s also useful against pride and all the other things we can tend to carry when we just want what we want for our future. Sometimes I function as fine but deep down I’m hurting, overwhelmed, and mentally tired. When I get to my prayer room Holy Spirit will show me why, where, who I need to forgive, what I need to let go, and how I can refocus on what’s important. Never overlook prayer. This is your weapon to rise above. Remember prayer is a conversation with your Heavenly Father. So don’t give Him your wish list or vent and leave. Take time to also sit still and listen. That’s the time to receive the direction you’ve been desiring.

Your Heavenly Father has your back and He’s given you the tools to make it to the other side of what discouragement throws your way. Take these points above and be encouraged for your future. Give discouragement the fight it’s not cut to come up against. What are other ways you combat discouragement when it attempts to rise up in your life?

How to be Encouraged for the Future