Acts 11:24 (NKJV) Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.

This is important, gang … don’t miss this. The Bible equates being full of the Holy Spirit, being strong in the faith and leading many to Christ, with being encouraging. There are those who feel they have the ministry of discouragement and who need to put down any move of the Spirit that does not meet their approval. But God doesn’t operate based on what anyone deems to be inappropriate or impossible. God will not contradict Himself, and He is going to operate exactly as He has said He will in scripture but that leaves a lot of room for our minds to be blown by the capable and miraculous hand of God. There is no instance in scripture that i can think of and no instance that I’ve personally ever seen, where someone was led to Jesus by the doubt or the discouragement expressed by a believer, and I don’t believe that God will honor doubt nor reward a discouraging attitude.

When it comes to ministry, it’s good to have balance. It’s good having someone who is willing to point out possible issues. But we must be careful that what we say is an issue or a problem is not discounting the fact that we have a REALLY BIG GOD. What’s hard or impossible for you or me is nothing for God Almighty, Who speaks His building materials into being. So, watch out for Eeyors –  those who will talk you out of steps of faith …“You can’t do that,” or “That’ll never work.” I’m not saying that every bit of advice to the contrary or counsel against plans is being an Eeyore.

Proverbs 24:27 Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.

The Bible says, “Count the cost,” and that’s what we should do. The Bible also says:

Joshua 1:9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

But maybe you count the cost and see that the cost is immense. How can you be courageous in the face of such cost? I can tell you two ways.

• Pray.
• Search the Word of God.

In the Word of God, you will find exactly what I have found, proof that God is able to keep His promises. And if God is able to keep His promises, what are we worried about? You see, when we worry, we believe more in our problems than in God’s promises. And if you feel you are alone in worry, then it might be because you have stepped away from God because Psalm 46 says that He is an ever-present help in trouble. Take your eyes off of God and problems are magnified, but magnify God and you will find your problems diminished.