Discouragement

I think everyone gets discouraged at one time or another.  In ministry it can be an especially hard thing.  I find for myself that discouragement is often the result of me focusing too much on what I do in my own strength and not enough on what God is doing.  You see, I am a perfectionist which means that I should do all things perfectly and always succeed.  All ministry endeavors should work, all people that I invest in should grow, change, and be grateful.  All sacrifices pay off and are appreciated.  All leaders lead well, all followers follow.  Good intentions are never misunderstood. Oh, and let's not forget that no one is ever displeased, no matter what.  Now come on, how hard is that to achieve?

Exactly!   The expectations are unrealistic to begin with and also really reflect an "own strength" focus.  The Bible tells us that God's Word, when sent forth, never fails in what God intends it to do.  So failure or perceived failure is usually a result of our work failing, not us failing to do God's work.  That is a good thing for me to remember.  He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it.  My expectations for myself and man's expectations for me will never work out well if I allow myself to be slaved to them.

I find that discouragement is actually more apt to take place when God is doing great things.  It is in those moments that satan moves into high gear, getting us to focus on what is not happening instead of what is.  We will miss the joys and successes all around us because all we focus on is those areas where we have not conquered.  Again, a result of focusing on the works of man and missing the works of God.

Don't let discouragement cause you to step back from the calling God has given you.  Man may fail you and you may fail, but God does not and when you allow Him to use you, God's work will be accomplished, no matter how you feel about it.   That's what I'm going to work on.