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Discouraged, but NOT Defeated

By: Lindsey Whitmore


The word discouragement is a noun, meaning a loss of confidence or enthusiasm; dispiritedness. If we are honest, we have all suffered from this at some point in our lives.

Discouragement is a devious spirit, purposed to make us feel disillusioned, depressed, and left in dismay. Its only motive is to derail us off the path God has placed us on and lead us to destruction.

Sounds wonderful, right?

Well, this has been the spirit that has tried to attach itself to me for some time. While the temptation has been great to give myself over to it, I remember that we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. We have the power of the living God inside of us, and therefore it cannot! All condemnation has been removed from us, including, but not limited to, discouragement, disappointment, depression, and discontentment.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

Romans 8:1-2 ESV


However, in the enemy’s efforts, I have come to understand it is not only about me, but about the majority of us, God’s people. This spirit that I feel snuck silently into my room has been living with many believers, possibly even you, for a long time. My prayer is that we recognize these emotions as tactics of the enemy and immediately serve them eviction papers. We must remember their purpose and motive are to destroy us. We have to stop rehearsing the lines that feed these spirits and start crying out verses and prayers to the One who already defeated them.


“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”

Psalm 55:22 ESV


“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 ESV


You may say, ‘I agree, however, it is easier said than done.’ I would concur, but would add, ‘not impossible.’ Luke 1:37 states clearly, “For with God, nothing is impossible.” (CJB) You see, even while I type these truths, I am still experiencing the taunts of these distractors. I fully believe God will purge them once He is done revealing their purpose to me, however, in the waiting I have a choice, I can either give in which leads to giving up, or I can give over which leads to getting up. As it is the strong hand of my Creator, Confidant, Comrade, Counselor, and Chief Shepherd that I remain holding on to.

If you are reading this, and believe what is written but are having a hard time claiming it for yourself, please contact our prayer team, and allow us to come alongside you. Our ministry’s prayer request page can be accessed here.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:16 ESV



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