Shepherding!

I had shepherding today afternoon, at some ulu corner in fc1 with my dear shepherd. It was a fruitful one, as i learn quite a bit of things from her. Ya just to share a bit of stuffs that she told me to prepare and take note of...

1) Discouragement

We are currently in the harvest season. As we go around sowing or inviting in the campus, we might face some discouragement, and possibly from all sides as we continue to do our work. Discouragement has an adverse effect on the morale of the sowers; an army cannot fight well when their morale is low, and most probably they will end up losing as the battle drags on.

So, what should discouraged people do? As mentioned by Ps. Jeff last week, one way to stay encouraged despite facing discouragements is to stick with encouraging people. Encouraging people are not necessarily people who can identify with your problems/discouragements. They NEED to be able to offer proper advices and encouragements that will provide a way out for you during dire situations. Examples of such people include your spiritual buddies. Remember, we are being put into the same unit, same church by God. All of us are here for a reason, and i believe we can help each other grow and strengthen our faith in God, for the Lord encourages unity. Pick up anyone who has fallen, for we are not gonna leave anyone behind.

(2 Samuel 10:11-12)

(Proverbs 27:17)
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

(Ephesians 4:2-3, 15-16)

Another source, which is essentially more important in deterring discouragement for all believers, is God himself. There will be times in our spiritual walk when we find ourselves in distress, whether its from discouragements or emotions or bad experiences. We try to find someone to share, to divulge our pain and bitterness amidst the suffering we endure, but we couldn't find the right person, or anyone for that matter. It sounds like a double whammy, a perfect tragedy for such coincidence that all conditions form together and you are being left alone to endure your troubles in solitude. Indeed, those times were bad, and painful. But as children of God, we have an ultimate refuge in Jesus himself.

Imagine this: Little kids are enduring a thunderstorm. When they are overcome with fear, they will run to their parents and hide inside their parent's embrace. Did the storm go away immediately? No. But the kids run to their parents, because they knew they will find comfort and refuge inside their parent's arms. Just like us who may be weathering a storm in our lives right now, are we fearful? Do we feel oppressed? If we do, why don't we run to our Father's arms right now? Seek Him, and you shall find refuge and comfort amidst the loud storms.

(Psalm 18:2)
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

(Psalm 36:7)
How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

(Nahum 1:7)
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,