Discouragement is one of Satan's most effective weapons against Christians.

What is Discouragement?  To deprive of confidence, hope, or spirit; dishearten; daunt.?

I. Three stages of discouragement.
1. Mild
-  Minor problems or pressures which affect our emotions.

2. Strong
-  Major problems or pressures which affect our spirits so that others notice.

3. Disabling               
Overwhelming problems or pressures which drain us of spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical strength.  Our hearts melts within us, and we have no desire, energy, or ability to go on.

II. The causes of discouragement.
1. At the base of every discouragement is lie from Satan.  Fear, unbelief, bitterness, self-pity, or condemnation are all based on Satan's lies.
2. The root cause - putting down the shield of faith.  (Eph. 6:16)
When we lose sight of God's ways or our resources in Christ, we remove the spiritual protection which Christ, we remove the spiritual protection which Christ provided for us in the shield of faith.

III. The benefit of discouragement.
(It confirms our need for God)

1. He will destroy our delight in temporal things. (Phil. 3:7-11)
2. He will destroy our confidence in human effort. (Rom. 7:22-24)
3. He has ordained that through our weakness His strength is made perfect.  (II Cor. 12:9-10)