First, discouragement influences my perception. It distorts the way I see reality, convincing me that no one cares about the children except me and I’m in it all alone. Basically, I lose perspective.
And after my eyes start to glaze over with despair, it’s easy to doubt my calling, question my competency, and ultimately feel like a miserable failure.
Once discouragement distorts my perception, it threatens to alter my direction. At this point, I may start to feel like I want to turn my back on children’s ministry and walk away. Or it might not feel that drastic. I might just be tempted to stop trying so hard. No one appreciates all the hard work I’m doing as a leader anyway. Maybe I should just care less.
For a case study on discouragement, look at the prophet Elijah. After his spectacular triumph on Mount Carmel, he receives a death threat from Queen Jezebel. Suddenly the dark cloud comes down, and discouragement enters his soul.
Look at how it affected Elijah’s perception and direction:
1. Clouded Perception
ELIJAH: “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left.” (1 Kings 19:10)
2. Revealed Reality
GOD: “Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:18)
Elijah was convinced that besides him, no one else in the entire kingdom of Israel worshiped Yahweh. This distorted reality made him feel outnumbered, defeated, and hopeless. However, God had an army of 7,000 strong. He wasn’t anywhere close to losing the battle. The natural consequence of this clouded perception was to head in the wrong direction.
1. Wrong direction
“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.” (1 Kings 19:3)
“I have had enough, Lord. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (1 Kings 19:4)
2. Corrected course
GOD: “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord… Go back the way you came…” (1 Kings 19:11 and 15)
Fear caused Elijah to forget who he was and abandon his calling. He entered self-preservation mode. In his mind, his service to Yahweh was too risky and too demanding, and in the long run didn’t make any difference.
However, after Elijah encountered the presence of God, the cloud of discouragement dissipated. He received a new vision and a new mission. God made it very clear that He wasn’t finished with Elijah yet.
I suspect that God isn’t finished with you either. Whether you feel exhausted like Elijah, outnumbered like Jehoshaphat, forgotten like Paul, mistreated like Jeremiah, or intimidated by your predecessor like Joshua, hear the word of the Lord to you.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Did you catch it? God actually commands you! Your commander-in-chief orders you to embrace strength and let go of discouragement. So if you feel swallowed by discouragement, know that the sun will break through. The heaviness will lift. Until then, stay strong and stay put!
When does discouragement pay you a visit in children’s ministry? Have you seen a predictable pattern as a kidmin leader?
