Dealing With Discouragement
So many gifted people have missed their calling by yielding to discouragement. Many preachers, pastors, ministers, musicians, teachers and Christians have dropped the ball after being discouraged,
The NUMBER ONE discouragement I see to ministers is family, a close second would be (so-called) Christians that think they know you.
Remember this: These people who try to give you advise (for your own good), never would have called you for service, because of the things they know about you. Joshua 1:9 says: "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." (NIV). Let your first encouragement come in knowing that God knows not only your past, but your tomorrows. Thus in His infinite wisdom He still called you. As you see here in Joshua, we are not just called, but also COMMANDED, and He WILL go with you wherever you go.
Deuteronomy 31:6Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."