Then all the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. Ezra 4:4

Discouragement is something that can easily set in and cause a person to back down on getting something done. Often it is when things go badly that a person gets discouraged and chooses to quit. At other times, there are people who will do or say things to discourage a person in the process of striving to get them to stop doing something. Many people do not like to see others succeed for many different reasons.

The enemies around the people of Judah made it their focus to discourage the people of Judah and get them to stop building the temple of God.

Believers are commissioned by God to build His kingdom on the earth. This is going out and making disciples of Jesus, each of whom will be a part of the temple of God individually and corporately.

As they are striving to do this, the world will have their focus set upon discouraging believers from doing the building and get them to stop. Words and threats are set out against believers to do whatever it will take to stop them.

Many believers will often stop the work out of discouragement because it does not appear to be working. There appears to be little to no change occurring. Others stop out of fear of those in the world. They do not want to be offensive, or they fear the attacks of the world.

Instead of being discouraged or afraid, believers should have their focus upon God and what He has called them to do. God is working in light of eternity, not a few days in time. Things may look bad at the moment, but in the end God and all who are with Him will win.

As a believer, you have a mission from God to build His kingdom. It will not always be an easy or fun task, but one that is necessary. The world will often do what it can to discourage you and get you to stop the building.

Do not listen to the lies and threats of the world but listen to what God is saying and doing. People need to hear the gospel message about Jesus whether they want to or not or whether others want them to or not. Keep building His temple and don’t get discouraged and quit.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will be a witness to the world about Jesus; that you will make disciples of Jesus wherever you go; that you will be focused on what God wants you to do; and that God will remove all discouragement and fear.