One of Satan’s primary tools to use against us is discouragement.

Bill Anderson told the story about the day the devil decided to go out of business. He decided to have a sale in which he would sell off the tools of his trade.

“On the night of the sale, the devil’s tools were all attractively displayed. Malice, hate, jealousy, greed, sensuality, and deceit were among them. To the side lay a harmless wedge-shaped tool, which had been used much more than any of the rest.

Someone asked the devil, What’s that? Its priced so high.
The devil answered, That’s discouragement.

But why is it priced so much higher than all the other tools? the onlooker persisted.

Because, replied the devil, with that tool I can pry open and get inside a person’s consciousness when I couldn’t get near him with any of the others. Once discouragement gets inside, I can let all the other tools do their work.”

    How do we fight against the devil’s tactics? By being aware of his attempts to discourage us and refusing to accept them. Whether we are discouraged in our church, our job or in our own personal lives, it is never a good thing, and we can be certain Satan is probably behind it. I’m not saying that every time you get discouraged Satan is behind it, but the odds are very good that he is. The next time you’re discouraged; examine the reason you’re discouraged, you might be surprised.

Discouragement comes from the devil.
Discouragement never comes from God.

God wants to pour out His blessings on us not discourage us.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

It is not easy, but we must fight being discouraged with everything we have. We all become discouraged at times.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Our most powerful tool is prayer. It is hard to be discouraged when we are praising God and counting our blessings.

“I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” (NKJV “have it more abundantly”) John 10:10

If we are aware of what Satan uses against us, we will be in a much better position to resist his efforts. What does Satan use to discourage you?