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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Is it a sin to get discouraged when things don't go the way we want them to? Did Jesus ever get discouraged? -- Mrs. K.K.

A: We all get discouraged from time to time, especially when we can't do something we wanted to do, or we find our way blocked, or life becomes difficult. Then we become like Job: "Trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and you are dismayed" (Job 4:5).

Is it a sin to be discouraged? Not necessarily -- although it can be, if it leads to anger or doubt, or it makes us stop doing something God wants us to do. And we need to understand that it's not always a brief or temporary problem; sometimes discouragement takes root in our hearts and minds, depressing us and pulling us down for years. Parents get discouraged with their children; workers get discouraged with their jobs; sick or elderly people get discouraged about their future -- the list could go on and on.

Did Jesus ever get discouraged? Not in the sense we usually mean it -- but He certainly was burdened over people's failure to repent and turn to God. He wept over those who refused to turn to God, and in the last hours before His arrest and trial He cried out, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" (Mark 14:34).

The real question, however, is this: What should we do when we become discouraged? The answer is to turn to the promises of God's Word for the encouragement we need. He still loves us, and He has not abandoned us. Let God's words to Joshua become yours: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.