Do you ever struggle with the Big D? The Bible is full of stories about men and women who battled periodically with it. The big D is not Montezuma’s revenge. It is discouragement. When you read the Scriptures, you learn pretty quickly even when you have an awesome calling from God, it doesn’t immunize you from the Big D.

Elijah was called by God to be a prophet. In 1 Kings 19 he was the main character in one of the greatest demonstrations of God’s power in history… 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, witnessed with his own eyes 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, but if you know their story, you understand they battled with the Big D from time to time.

Possessing a clear sense of God’s call on your life is fulfilling. Getting to live out that calling is even more fulfilling. Doing what you love to do, are gifted to do, and are passionate about is amazing. But calling from God doesn’t exempt us from the Big D.

There are days (hopefully not most days) where you may wonder… “God, are You sure I’m the right guy/girl for this calling?” “Was I hallucinating  when I sensed you calling me?” “Is this calling ever going to materialize?” Discouragement visits anyone doing anything of significance for God. It is not unusual. Nor does it disqualify you or diminish your calling.

So what can you do when the inevitable Big D pushes its unwelcome presence into your life?

Take the long view

Every leader has a bad day occasionally. The temptation to obsess on “today” at the expense of the future can mess with your mind. It magnifies our problem(s) and minimizes our possibilities. When the Big D threatens to derail you… keep running your race. The fact you’re battling discouragement suggests you may be on a path the devil is worried about.

Take the rear view

Take a step back and look at how far you’ve come. Celebrate your progress. Thank God for all of the open doors, successes, learning points, lives touched, etc. You will 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, I open my prayer journal and read instance after instance of how God has answered prayers or provided miraculously and the Big D loosens its grip on my thinking.

Take the upward view

God is the Ultimate Encourager. You are not in this alone. He is with you. 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 in life is gravy.

Take the side view

Call on trusted friends to come alongside you when discouragement darkens your door. Community has the ability to give us clearer perspective. When you share your burden with a trusted friend, your burden is automatically cut in half.  When you try to handle it on your own, discouragement can take on a life of its own and grow out of proportion.

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