July- September
We live in an age of powerful technology. Amazing tools are available that seem to make the performance of daily tasks more efficient than ever.
Unfortunately, almost everyone—whether good or evil—has great tools. And some of these tools are not merely part of the post-modern era—they’ve been around for hundreds, even thousands of years.
When you really consider it, Christians actually live in an enemy-occupied territory. The prince of this world and the powers of darkness have some pretty sophisticated tools at their disposal. Among those tools with the greatest “horse power,” one stands out that starts with a “D,” just like the devil himself. Can you guess what it is? It’s spelled D-I-S-C-O-U-R-A-G-E-M-E-N-T.
This weapon known as discouragement is used by Satan against nearly everyone at some point. It is especially effective against young people. It can dampen their desires for union with divinity, zap out their zest and zeal, and exterminate their experience for eternity. If ever there was a tragedy, that’s one.
In this issue of the Youth Messenger, we’re taking a look at how shyness discourages many young people. Yet with God’s help, you can overcome it—you really can.
A lot of youth tend to blame God for all the evil in the world. We’re be reminded here why that’s neither accurate nor fair at all—and how to explain this to doubting, discouraged friends.
Canvassing can sometimes be a very discouraging work. Many give up on it. But what a truly wonderful joy is experienced by those who press on through the strength of Christ, refusing to let the enemy stop them.
Even great Advent pioneers such as John Nevins Andrews faced discouragement at some point in their life. The messenger of the Lord made a long journey to appeal in person to this soul—to rescue him from becoming too absorbed in earthly, temporal matters. Would we respond the same way as he did, if such an appeal were made to us? Even the type of education we are pursuing can make a difference in how we deal with bouts of discouragement—and how deeply our heart can be touched by the glorious truths of the everlasting gospel.
So, in an age when the tool of discouragement seems to have reached advanced technological proportions, now is a good time to “take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:13–16).