Discouragement is the universal experience of leadership.

Every leader, no matter how seasoned or successful, occasionally faces moments of despair. “Can I get through this challenge?” “When is this tough stretch going to be over?” “Am I the guy/gal for the job?” These questions periodically cross a leader’s mind.

For a significant percentage of leaders, discouragement, from time to time, is an unwelcome companion. Some are discouraged about not having enough leaders and workers. Others are worried about the organization’s cash flow. Some pastors are unhappy with their attendance trajectory.

Extended seasons of discouragement can cause leaders to doubt their calling, capability, and value. Some even prematurely exit ministry due to a growing sense of hopelessness.

Thankfully, the Bible is full of stories about men and women who battled discouragement. When you read the Scriptures, you learn the following quickly: even when you have an awesome calling from God, it doesn’t immunize you from discouragement.

Some seasons are just plain hard. Some seasons are just plain awesome. Most seasons are a mixture of the two.

God called Elijah to be a prophet. In 1 Kings 19 he was a key figure in one of the greatest demonstrations of God’s power in history—a dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal, ending in fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifices on the altar—proving the God of Israel was the one true God.

John the Baptist saw heaven open when he baptized Jesus. He witnessed with his own eyeballs the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus in the form of a dove and heard with his own ears the audible voice of God the Father.

Elijah and John had incredible callings and powerful ministries and amazing experiences, but if you know their story, you understand they struggled with severe discouragement from time to time. At one point, Elijah was so down he asked God to kill him, and John the Baptist was so discouraged he sent his followers to ask Jesus: “Are you really the Messiah?”

Understanding God’s call on your life and getting to live out that calling is fulfilling. Doing what you love to do, are gifted to do, and are passionate about is amazing. But calling, gifting, and passion do not exempt us from discouraging seasons.

So, what can you do when this inevitable enemy pushes its unwelcome presence into your life? Let me share four keys to beating discouragement:

Take the long view

Every leader has a difficult day, week, or month occasionally. The temptation to obsess over what’s going wrong today can make you think tomorrow will be the same. When a lousy day, week, or month happens, when people disappoint you, when you disappoint you, keep running your race. God has called you to a marathon, not a sprint. Take the long view. And keep this in mind: Discouragement may be proof you’re on a path the devil is worried about.

Take the rear view

Take a step back and look at how far you have come. Celebrate your progress. Thank God for all the open doors, the wins, the lessons learned, and the lives touched. I suspect you’ll find yourself encouraged.

When King David was at a low point in his calling—so low in fact his men wanted to whack him (I’m 50% Italian . . .  so, when I say whack, you know what I mean)—the Scripture tells us David encouraged himself in the Lord. When I get discouraged, sometimes I sit there too long and wallow. I do better in discouraging moments when I open my prayer journal and read entries describing how God has answered prayers or provided miraculously. When I take the rear view, discouragement starts to loosen its grip.

 

Take the upward view

Father God is the ultimate encourager. You are not in your calling alone. He is with you. And for you. And He loves you fully. For real. He is actively working in you and through you. Look for what God might be trying to teach you in the challenging seasons. Spend time fixing your eyes, heart, and mind on Him. On His sufficiency. His power. His propensity for abundance toward you. Remember your name is written in the book of life. Everything else is gravy.

 

Take the side view

When discouragement darkens your door and you can’t shake it, call on trusted friends to come alongside you. Find a coach. The devil wants to isolate you so he can crush you. Don’t play his game. Try community instead.

Healthy relationships give you a clearer perspective. When you share a burden with a trusted friend or coach, you tend to see the situation more accurately. When you try to carry it on your own, discouragement can take over, and the issue can grow disproportionate to reality.

According to a Barna Study published in January 2017, 66% of lead pastors in the United States have no close friends. If we want to beat discouragement, we need trusted people at our side.

 

Elijah and John the Baptist had incredible callings. God used them powerfully to influence people. They’ve been revered throughout history as prime examples of what it means to follow the call of God. And they both experienced occasional bouts of significant discouragement.

If you’re suffering similarly today, you’re in good company. Take the long view, the rear view, the upward view, and the side view. And you’ll put discouragement where it belongs—under your feet.

 

I’m rooting and praying for you!

John