Once upon a time it was announced that the devil was going out of business and would sell all his equipment to those who were willing to pay the price. On the day of the big sale, all his tools were attractively displayed. There was envy, jealousy, hatred, malice, deceit, sensuality, pride, idolatry, and other implements of evil displayed. Each of the tools was marked with its own price tag. Over in the corner by itself was a harmless looking, wedge-shaped tool very much worn, but it still bore a higher price than any of the others. Someone asked the devil what it was, and he answered, “That is discouragement.” The next question came quickly, “And why is it priced so high even though it is plain to see that it is worn more than these others?” “Because,” replied the devil, “it is more useful to me than all the others. I can pry open a man’s heart with that when I cannot get near him with any other tool. Once I get inside, I can use him in whatever way suits me best. It is worn well because I use it on everyone I can, and few people even know it belongs to me.” This tool was priced so high that no one could buy it, and to this day it has never been sold. It still belongs to the devil, and he still uses it on all mankind!

Author Unknown

All of us get discouraged at some point in our lives. Whether you are a working mother, stay-at-home mother, new Christian, old Christian, young, or grown-up, this is something we all have in common. Some of us have the personality which allows us to get discouraged more easily than others, and some of us strive to put our best foot forward and persevere.

But when you think of discouragement and think that the world is against you, it can be very difficult to think that things could be easier. It can also be very difficult to open your Bible and see what answers God has for you.

When you read stories about Joseph, or Job, or Jesus himself, it can become very hard to think about how hard your trials actually are. These Bible people went through so much torment and strife yet they remained faithful to God until the end. Stories like these, while it may be hard to comprehend what they were going through, can be a great encouragement to us!

1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you.” This does not mean throw your worries on Him when things are pretty good but you have a slight problem. It doesn’t mean throw them on Him every once in a while or when you think it might work. It means to constantly beg Him to be by your side at ALL times because the minute you turn your back, the devil is right there waiting for you!  “Be of sober spirit, be on alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour!” 1 Peter 5:8

By Wanda Coker

Wanda and her husband James are currently seniors at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver. Beginning in July, James is planning to serve as the full-time preacher for the church of Christ in Woodland Park, CO. Wanda is a stay-at-home and homeschooling mom to their three boys, ages 6, 2 and 1.