Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 2-115 (Devotional)

DON’T LET DISCOURAGERS FRUSTRATE GOD’S PLAN

by Peter Kennedy

“Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They hired counselors to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.” – Ezra 4:4-5

In 1798, in the Scottish manufacturing town of Newcastle, a young lady began teaching a Sunday school class of poverty-stricken boys. The most unpromising teenager was Robert, a young man who ran with the wrong crowd. After three Sundays, he did not return.

So the teacher went to look for him. Although the superintendent had given Robert some new clothes, they were already worn and dirty when the teacher found him. He was given another new suit, and he came back to Sunday school. But Robert’s friends again discouraged him from going and he quit again.

The teacher went out once more to find him. When she did, she discovered that the second set of clothes had also been torn. “I am completely discouraged about Robert,” she told the superintendent. “I guess we must give up on him.” “Please don’t do that,” he pleaded. “I believe there is still hope. Try him one more time.”

They gave Robert a third suit, and this time he began to attend faithfully. Robert Morrison became a Christian and nine years later he became the first Protestant missionary to China. He translated the Bible into Chinese and brought the Word of God to millions of people.

Who are you listening to and following: discouraging people or God? Today in prayer, give any discouragement you have received to the Lord and seek to follow Him in all that you do.

“Pay as little attention to discouragement as possible. Plough ahead as a steamer does, rough or smooth, rain or shine. To carry your cargo and make port is the point.” – Maltbie Babcock

God’s Word: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”- Joshua 1:9

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2002, Devotional E-Mail

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