Discouragement: Satan’s Most Valuable Tool

One of the hardest things in life to admit is “I have failed”, or “I will fail”, but it is essential if we are to be victorious! Just like the sinner cannot be saved if he/she does not admit their sin merits punishment in hell, the first step to victory as a Christian is admitting our failures, or rather, that we can fail.

The “Sinless Life” (Lordship Salvation), the “Prosperity Gospel” and all the false doctrines that go with them are lies straight from the pit of hell. The Bible tells the Christian:

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

Those false doctrines are designed to discourage the Christian in believing they could never be victorious in their Christian life, but not only that: Satan would have you believe that every failure you have is a clear sign that you are not saved, are not a Christian, have failed as a parent, etc.

Let us never forget that:

“… the devil . . . is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44

If Satan can discourage you, he has won a great victory, as discouragement is probably his greatest tool since it can be applied in so many aspects of our lives.

Whether he can discourage us in our wrong doing or in not doing right, he will do it! If you have not done so, now would be a good time to read “Tools for Sale“, and then continue with this lesson.

Here are just some of the lies he’s probably already tried on you. These are presented in the form Satan would use. Between each, I have given at least one Scriptural answer.

1. “The children are not being “perfect” because you slacked off in your discipline. You are a total failure as a parent.” – So, you get discouraged.

The Bible teaches all have a sinful nature, and we all have a choice to follow the Scriptures or not. Training a child rightly doesn’t mean they won’t sin, but we can correct them when they do, just as the Lord does to us. Satan wants to convince you that they will never sin or make bad choices – but that doesn’t fit our sinful nature.

Paul the Apostle talks about this “Conflict of Two Natures” in the book of Romans 7:14-25

For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Genesis 18:19

Yes, it is your job to train them right, then correct them when they choose to do wrong. Satan’s lie is that they will never do wrong, or when they do it is our fault.

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15

2. You are so tied down with supporting your husband, the home, and training children that you can’t go soulwinning like you should. They are preventing you from doing the Lord’s work. ” – So, you get discouraged.

Yet, a woman’s main purpose:

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalms 127:3

Never forget that God has given you those precious souls that need to be saved and discipled!

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 1 Timothy 5:14

Besides, nothing is stopping you from handing out Gospel tracts when you go shopping, someone comes to the door, you go to the park with the children, etc.

3. “You’re resenting your children for “tying you down”. What Christian parent would be resentful of those precious gifts the Lord has given you?” – You get discouraged.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Do you see how Satan will twist whatever he can to discourage us? Let us not be “ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11b), and break the effectiveness of his greatest tool by “putting on the whole armour of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18), and remember that “…the devil….is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44

And keeping our focus on the Lord:

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

Published May 23, 2008 | By Angela Trenholm

I recommend reading: Tools for Sale

Posted in Bible, Series, Victory in the Christian Home | Tagged discouragement, satan, victory