The soul discouraged

"Think of him who has borne such opposition against him from sinners, so that you will not be defeated by discouragement" (Hebrews 12: 3).

We have in Jesus the perfect model, and we must consider it. We must look in him and his life, carefully. People were constantly opposing Jesus. He was subjected to all kinds of opposition. It could come from the Pharisees, from his disciples, and even from his own family ! He was unfairly accused, betrayed and abandoned. He kept courage.

"He said to me : Do not be afraid, man considered precious ! May peace be with you ! Strengthen yourself ! Strengthen yourself ! While he was talking to me, I regained strength. Then I said : My Lord speak, for you have strengthened me" (Daniel 10:19). It is in prayer that God will strengthen you, and God has given you a rechargeable battery at will. You can pray at all times in the Spirit and be recharged and strengthened. When we are discouraged, all desires disappear, except to mope silently, mouth closed and heavy heart. It seems impossible to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. It seems impossible to us that the sea opens in two. It is impossible for the walls of Jericho to collapse. In short, we put our faith into action for the impossibility. This is called doubt. We doubted, perhaps even that doubt led us to disbelief. But in those moments when our soul is down, we can talk to him and tell him to submit, and use our mouths to pray in spirit. Our soul can be silent if it wants, but our spirit will speak through our bodies. Then our soul will receive powerful encouragement through the presence of God in prayer.

We must persevere and continue, because it is by faith and perseverance that the elders have obtained what was promised to them. They did not just have to "do" and believe, but they had to "do", believe, and do it again and again, to the end. We must continue.

Jeremy Sourdril