“They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’ But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands.’ ”
— Nehemiah 6:9
You may be surrounded by people who say, “You can’t do that! You’re weak! You’ll never succeed!” If you listen to such voices, discouragement will set in. Don’t pay any attention to them. Instead, pray. Ask God to give you strength to keep pressing on toward the finish line.
Sometimes the people who discourage you are rivals. It might be the girl who warms the bench but wants your spot on the volleyball team. It might be the classmate who is competing with you for the lead in a school play. But sometimes those who make discouraging remarks are members of your own family — or a close friend. That’s harder to bear. Once in a while, someone who loves you might try to discourage you, because they’re afraid you’re trying something too difficult. No matter where a negative remark comes from, you don’t have to accept it. Just say to yourself, No, thank you! I’m not interested in any discouragement today! and stay enthusiastic instead.
The next time you’re working to achieve something, turn a deaf ear to people who try to discourage you. Instead, call on the Lord for his encouragement.
More To Explore: Isaiah 35:3 – 4
Girl Talk: Do people make discouraging remarks to you? Do you make them to others — or do you try to encourage people?
God Talk: “Lord, I want to ignore people’s negative remarks. Help me to listen only to you. Amen.”
From Shine On, Girl! by Kristi Holl