The Wedge of Discouragement

The Wedge of DiscouragementOne day the devil was having a sale, hawking his many diabolical toolsof the trade. Each of the devil’s tools was on display with its price tagattached—tools such as the arrow of jealousy, the hammer of anger,and the dagger of worry. His tools also included the slingshot of doubtand the axe of hatred, along with numerous others.But one tool was displayed prominently on a pedestal high above theothers. It was dented and worn with use. A curious shopper inquiredabout the price and why such an old and worn tool was displayed sovisibly.“Ah, yes,” said the devil, “THAT’S THE WEDGE OFDISCOURAGEMENT. It is my favorite tool of all. It’s soeasy to use and hardly takes any effort. All I have to do isget the very tip of the wedge into my victim and the rest iseasy. Once the wedge is in, I just tap it ever so slightly and itslides in deeper and deeper. Sometimes I don’t have to doanything—my victims drive the wedge in all by themselves!A small opening soon becomes a gaping crack, making roomfor the rest of my tools. Before you know it, my wedge hascompletely split a person’s dreams, hopes, and aspirations intwo. That’s why the wedge of discouragement commandssuch a high price—because it’s my most effective tool. It hasopened more doors for me than all my other toolscombined.”The moral of this fable is obvious and true. David recognized the needto overcome discouragement when he was building the temple. That iswhy he said,“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, myGod, is with you” (1 Chronicles 28:20).50 40 Days of Legacy

The smallest bit of discouragement can destroy the grandest of dreams.We have set a goal to have received $1.2 million in our building fundby December 31. As we get closer and closer to our deadline, let’s besure to recognize the devil’s wedge of discouragement. It may show itsface in the form of a long city-approval process, delays in the buildingprocess, and increasing costs. Discouragement can take the form ofnegative, difficult, and pessimistic people. It can manifest itself on theheals of fear, burnout, and fatigue.David’s mention of the possibility of discouragement tells us that wewill bump into things that challenge our sense of confidence and faith.We must be strong and courageous. We must expect, assume, andaccept the fact that obstacles are inevitable, but at the same time knowthat our God is incredible.ThinkHas discouragement ever kept you from seeing your dreams becomereality? Could you have taken steps to overcome the discouragementand keep dreaming? What do you think might have happened if youhad?PrayPray that God will not allow you to succumb to discouragement, butthat He would fill you will faith so that you will not lose the vision.ActDo you currently feel discouragement about any part of this relocationprocess? If so, write down the things that discourage you. Then prayabout each one. As you do, try to look at the process through God’seyes, through eyes of vision toward the future40 Days of Legacy 51