Encouraged Because of the Way

Numbers 21:4

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.

Israel became discouraged because of the way the LORD was taking them. They allowed the way to take their heart away and discourage them. You would think if any people would not have been discouraged because of the way, it would be the children of Israel. Let’s face it, these people saw God do some very mighty works. They saw God part the Red Sea, give them water from a rock twice, defeat enemies about them, give them manna from Heaven daily, and had His presence with them through the pillar of fire and cloud. They should have been encouraged because of their way instead of being discouraged because of it.

However, many in our day have become discouraged because of the way of the old paths. Many have become accustomed to the blessings God is doing in their presence, resulting in them becoming discouraged because of the way. Sadly, those who have become discouraged because of the way start looking for new ways to do things, when they ought to realize the blessings they have are because of the way of the old paths. Let me share several things you can do to stay encouraged because of the way.

First, keep your eyes on the God of the way. Every person who has become discouraged because of the way took their eyes off God. You cannot focus on yourself and the world and stay encouraged because of the way. The Scriptures are clear that you cannot serve God and mammon. You will either hate the one and love the other, or you will hold to the one and despise the other. The greatest reason many despise the old paths is because they have taken their eyes off God to live life their way.

Second, remember the power of the way. You will find the power of God as long as you stay in the old paths. It will be easy to stay encouraged when you remember the privilege of having God’s power on your life because of the way. God’s power is only needed and will only be enjoyed IF you stay on the old paths.

Third, don't forget the miracles of the way. All you need to do is look back and see all the miracles God has done through you because of the way He has brought you. Regularly take time to remember the miracles that God has done for you because of the way. We forget that many would love to have the miracles we have seen. It ought to be a regular habit to take time and remember all that God has done for us, for that will help you to be encouraged because of the way.

Fourth, enjoy the blessings of the way. The old paths are what give us happy families with children serving the Lord. The old paths are what have kept you from sin and enduring the chastening because of sin. Every blessing you have is because of the way of the old paths; remembering the blessings of God regularly will help you to stay encouraged because of the way.

Fifth, keep your eyes on the destination of the way. The saints in Hebrews died in faith because they saw the promises of faith afar off. In other words, they kept their eyes on the rewards they would get in Heaven. Keep your eyes on Heaven and the rewards you will receive and it will not be hard to stay encouraged because of the way.