Exodus 5:22-23 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me?  For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.  Moses was God’s man, the chosen leader of Israel to lead them out of bondage into the promised land.  He was in God’s will, doing things God’s way, and yet it seemed like nothing was being accomplished.  Discouragement is a tool that is often used against God’s man, and God’s people.  There have been at least two occasions in my life when I was ready to throw in the towel concerning ministry.
The precious Holy Spirit of the living God led me to His word.  I began in Matthew’s gospel with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane and proceeded with Him to Calvary.  I did the same in Mark, Luke, and John.  What love, greater than any other!  What suffering, that cannot be imagined!  By the time I got to the cross in John I was ashamed of myself for even entertaining the thought of giving up.  Later, another time of great discouragement came,  this exercise was repeated, and again my Lord strengthened me and caused me to have the courage to go on for Him.
When, like Moses, you get discouraged and don’t see much progress, don’t give up!
Don’t give in to the Devil and your flesh.  Get in God’s word!
His grace is truly sufficient.  His strength is made perfect in our weakness.   Look up and see the Savior we serve, look around and you’ll see saints and sinners who need you and me to be encouraged.  Looking down will continue to feed the spirit of discouragement.  Look up! This could be the day of His appearing!  Amen.  Pastor