Thursday; May 14

One of the things I have noticed about social distancing and contactless interactions is how easy it is to become discouraged.  I am not sure I would have ever thought about it without having lived through the experience, but I tend to feel more discouraged more quickly – and I notice the same thing with many of the other leaders I am around.  I am not sure if it is the constant state of wondering if we are doing the right things (since we have never done this before we don’t know what “success” is supposed to look like or how it should be measure) or if there is something about not having direct, physical feedback and support; but, I really feel it is easier to get down about your talents and your mission. 
While discouragement might be a modern problem, it is not the invention of this society.  From the beginning, people have struggled with the temptation to be discouraged.  And, if that is the case, surely there is some guidance as to what to do about it.  When the Jews under the leadership of Nehemiah were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem they were threatened, ridiculed and belittled; yet they ended up being successful in their quest.  How did they do it?  The Bible states, “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.” (Nehemiah 6:15-16).  So, what was the key?  They kept working despite how they felt and they trusted that the work they were doing was being supported by God.  They didn’t lose sight of their focus or their Source.
Let’s recognize that things are different – and may even be difficult – but let’s resist the temptation to become discouraged.  If we are doing good, God will bless us and our work.
Think About It!

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