While I was writing this very proposal I was struggling with discouragement. It’s fairly difficult to apply for a job that does not exist. I remember hearing Duane talk about discouragement during Inception and clearly recall not wanting to be one of the 80% of seminary students who quit the ministry within 5 years. After voicing my concerns and fears and nerves to a very good friend I felt a little better but still just unsure. The next morning I awoke to find a message in my inbox that is a perfect example of how and why unsheathed can be so powerful. These PROMISES from God to us, make Satan run away shrieking like the coward that he is………. and that makes me smile. It gives hope where there was fear, encouragement where there was doubt, strength where there was none, light instead of dark and peace instead of unrest.
To: Dan
Subject: Just the Tip of the Iceberg
Armor/Ammo:
2 Chronicles 15:7
• But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
Matthew 7:7-11
• “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Proverbs 23:18
• There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
• Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Proverbs 16:9
• A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.
Isaiah 48:17
• This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
Philippians 2:13
• For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
• 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 hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Psalm 48:14
• For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end.
