Getting Help from Above

How many of you have ever experienced discouragement? How many of you have ever had a cold or the flu? We know that different viruses cause both colds and the flu. But what causes discouragement?

Discouragement starts in the mind. Often, we think it results from our circumstances: something didn’t work out, a job loss, or a health challenge. But discouragement is less about the situation itself and more about how we perceive it. Feeling discouraged is different from being discouraged. The “feeling” affects our emotions; the “being” influences our actions. Everyone feels discouraged at some point, but not everyone becomes discouraged. Just because you feel discouraged doesn’t mean you have to stay that way—not if you handle it God’s way. Dwelling on negative thoughts can weaken our confidence in God, neutralize our faith, and make us forget our hope. We end up feeling the weight of life’s challenges.

Doubt and Destruction

Why is discouragement so destructive? Because it leads to doubt. Doubt weakens faith, and without faith, we lose hope. The enemy’s mission is to make us give up. When we stop trying, stop believing, or stop acting, the enemy is pleased. Discouragement convinces us that we can’t, or that God won’t. It makes us feel overwhelmed, under-equipped, or undervalued. This thinking undermines faith, and just like discouragement, it starts in the mind. Negative thinking never comes from God. Instead, God encourages us not to let ourselves become discouraged. If you’ve been struggling with discouragement, don’t listen to the whispers of doubt. Listen to God. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Notice that God connects the remedy for discouragement with His presence. He promises to be with us wherever we go, no matter what we face. Instead of focusing on negative thoughts, we should embrace God’s promises and listen to His encouragement. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged. Be strong. Keep going. You can do this. I am here.

Mark 9 demonstrates how negative thinking affects our ability to be used by God in ministering to others.

A Failed Ministry Opportunity

Jesus once led His disciples to the base of a mountain, instructing nine of them to wait while He took three—Peter, James, and John—up the mountain to pray.

Why did Jesus often single out Peter, James, and John? It’s easy to understand why He chose Peter and John, but what about James? He was the first of the twelve disciples to die, which doesn’t seem like a great return on investment for Jesus’ time with him. But Jesus included James in His inner circle because, along with Peter and John, he was most receptive to Him. God’s deepest desire is to have a relationship with us. How close we are to God or how much He can use us depends on us. Jesus prayed that we all would be one with Him.

While the nine disciples waited, how did they spend their time? Feeling left out can lead to discouragement, which, for them, opened the door to jealousy, complaining, and criticism. They focused on their own grievances and the favor shown to the three. A negative attitude can hinder God’s power. Their state of mind made it impossible for God to work through them; they had unknowingly disconnected from the Power Source.

During this time, a man with a demon-possessed son came seeking Jesus. Finding only the disciples, he shared his need. Jesus had previously given them authority over unclean spirits, and they had succeeded before—but only when they were closely connected to God and strong in faith.

By now, a crowd had gathered to see what would happen. In Jesus’ name, the disciples commanded the demon to leave, but the spirit only mocked them, displaying its power. Confusion followed. Satan himself had come to challenge for this boy's life (see The Desire of Ages, p. 428).

The disciples felt embarrassed, realizing that they were bringing dishonor upon themselves and Jesus. Satan used their failure to spread shame and doubt. Among the crowd, some scribes took this opportunity to humiliate them, declaring that neither the disciples nor Christ could conquer this evil spirit. Yet the real problem wasn’t the demon’s power—it was the disciples' spiritual weakness.

Jesus to the Rescue

Jesus arrived at just the right time, while the scribes' accusations were still fresh. He asked, “What are you arguing with them about?” In the ensuing silence, the boy’s father fell at Jesus' feet and pleaded, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” Jesus took in the situation, addressing the father, the crowd, the scribes, and especially His disciples: “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? Bring him to Me!”

When the spirit saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground, rolling and foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, “How long has he been like this?” The father replied, “From childhood. It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” The father had come with some faith, but the disciples’ failure and the scribes' doubt had discouraged him. Now he questioned Jesus’ ability. Jesus directed the man’s focus back to faith: “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Recognizing that he was in the presence of one who could help, the father cried out, “Lord, I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.” It doesn’t take long to shift from unbelief to belief. Faith begins with choosing to trust God. The boy was healed.

Our Work vs. God’s Work

What is the connection between faith and works? The Bible says, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). This refers to a living connection with Jesus.

Our role is to choose to surrender our will to God. Then God can do His work, which is to will and act according to His purpose in us (Philippians 2:13).

Later, the disciples asked Jesus why they couldn’t drive out the spirit. Jesus responded, “Because of your unbelief,” indicating their weak connection with God. Faith connects us to God. If they had strengthened their faith through prayer and meditation on Christ's words, they would have succeeded. He also told them, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.” Jesus wasn’t referring to a quick prayer but a life sustained by prayer. Prayer and faith are inseparable.

Hope for the Discouraged

Why are we so vulnerable to discouragement and often weak in our Christian lives? Our success doesn’t depend on our strength or effort but on our decision to place our trust and faith in God. When we stay connected to God, success is assured. We have help from above!