So, what should you do when you find yourself in situations like this? It might sound crazy, but one of the best ways I combat these types of feelings is by doing the opposite of what my flesh wants to do. For instance, if someone let me down after they committed to something, instead of getting worked up and bent out of shape, I try to write someone an email that I’ve let down before. Not only does it encourage someone else, but it helps me remember that I drop the ball too and not get in a spiritual rut by taking my frustration out on others.
If I’m feeling sorry for myself, I try to encourage someone around me with a short note and prayer whose had a rough time lately. If I’m feeling discouraged because of some ministry flop, I might call a friend who has mentioned something similar to me about their ministry and speak encouragement into their life.
I simply try to do the opposite of what is natural, and I almost always find that the Lord gives me strength and a revitalized spirit when I do this. It works against the pride that wants to seep out of you and is replaced with an empowering humility. When we’re beat down and weak, it’s not always best to revert back to defense and set out to just “survive the day.” It’s much more honoring to the Lord (and damaging to the attacks of Satan) to go on offence and really look for ways to turn the worst situation into a blessing because of the choices you make.
If this week has been a tough week for you, think about the ways you can turn Satan on his head and turn what he meant for evil into tremendous blessings.
