There are deep valleys in life but by far discouragement is the devil’s biggest tool.  Hopes are dashed when things we work hard for are taken away and the goal is no longer available.  A relationship where we have invested years of prayer and support suddenly is no longer because the person chooses the world and turns on us.  Efforts to prepare and polish talents for a program become a slap in the face when the format does not need a particular skill or talent.

These discouragements are painful and damaging because hopes are dashed.  Dashed hopes make the heart sick.  There are many ways to be discouraged and many circumstances but the one thing they all have in common is the devil is the author.  Through Jesus Christ, all battles have been won.  No matter how big the battle, through prayer God will make known to us His victories in due time.  What He did for Jehoshaphat He will do for all of us in each circumstance if we only trust.

2 Chronicles 20:15-17

 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.  Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel.  You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”