I learned for myself many years ago, when I first began walking closely with the Lord, that one of Satan's most effective tools against us is discouragement. If the devil can't keep us out of heaven, he will do his level best to keep us from fulfilling our God-given purpose and potential. Why? Because the more spiritual progress we make, the more we will threaten his kingdom of darkness.

I'm here to tell you today that one of God's best tools against discouragement is the Word of God. There is no pit so deep that the promises of God cannot get you out of it. If you dig into the Scriptures when you are feeling down and defeated, and you ask the Lord to encourage your heart, He will use His Word to lift you above your circumstances, and there won't be a thing that the devil can do to keep you from moving forward.

Years ago, I heard a godly man say that the promises of God will give us hope in hopeless situations. I have found this to be true. The psalmist declared, "You are my refuge and my shield, and Your promises are my only source of hope." (Psalm 119:14 TLB) But I have also found that we can miss out on the fulfillment of many of the Lord's promises because we don't really believe in God's faithfulness to His Word.

Hebrews 11:11 reveals that Abraham's wife, Sarah, was empowered to bear a child in her old age "because she judged Him faithful who had promised." (NKJV) Sometimes, when I am praying and standing on a promise from God that is simply too good to be true, I say over and over, "I judge You faithful, Lord. I judge You faithful." Then, when I have to wait a long time for the fulfillment of His promise, I am strengthened to keep on believing His Word.

I have written entire books declaring how the Lord has proven Himself faithful to His promises time and time again. Dare to put Your hope in God and His Word, and allow Him to show Himself strong on your behalf!

Prayer: Lord, whenever I begin to struggle with discouragement, remind me that it is not from You. Teach me how to resist and rebuke all discouragement that comes my way, so that it will not defeat me. Show me how to pray and stand on Your divine promises, so that I can gain the victory You have in store for me. Thank You that as I judge You faithful to Your Word, I will witness You working miracles on my behalf!