8 Bible Verses for When You Feel Defeated
Most of us will feel defeated at times in our lives. In these moments, God’s Word offers encouragement. Today, I invite you to join me as we explore eight Bible verses for when you feel defeated.
8 Bible Verses for When You Feel Defeated
I decided I wanted to be a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in the world. Like most 22-year-olds, I had high ideals and big expectations. Two months into my teaching career, I felt discouraged and defeated.
Managing a classroom of teens with special needs turned out to be more challenging than I imagined. Most days, I felt like we were just trying to make it through the day unscathed. I spent most of my time managing behavior, and my creative lesson plans rarely went the way I planned.
By the end of my first year of teaching, I felt overwhelmed and worn out. I needed to regroup. So I boarded a plane with nothing but a heavy internal frame backpack and three weeks of provisions. I needed to get away and reassess my priorities.
In the quiet of the woods, alone with my thoughts, I reflected on the first year of my dream career. I remember distinctly thinking, I didn’t sign up for this.
What to Do When You Want to Give up
Most of us have been here. We follow our dreams, but when our dreams become our realities, we wonder if we made the wrong decision.
We commit to ministries and careers that seem perfect for us. Sadly, once we’re committed, we want nothing more than to turn and run.
Sometimes following Jesus leads us to the same sentiments. We commit to following him, and we’re excited and hopeful. But then the years roll on, and we realize the high calling of walking with him leads us up mountains we never expected to climb. (For more on God’s detours, read here.)
I imagine this is how Peter felt the night Jesus was arrested. Peter thought he was signing up for a partnership with the most powerful political ruler who would ever live. Jesus’ power didn’t look the way Peter expected it to look. When reality didn’t match his expectations, Peter started to question everything. He denied he even knew Jesus three times.
What do we do when our realities fail to match the expectations we cleverly crafted in our minds? We can always turn to God’s Word for encouragement. Let’s look at eight Bible verses for defeated moments:
8 Bible Verses for When You Feel Defeated
1. Hebrews 10:35-36
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
2. Psalm 34:18
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
3. Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
4. Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
5. Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
6. Psalm 118:6
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
7. Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
8. John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Apply These Bible Verses for When You Feel Defeated to Your Life:
Let’s look at how to apply these Truths to our lives.
1. We refuse to take offense toward God.
Our greatest downfalls in life aren’t usually the result of stumbling blocks in our paths. Instead, our reactions to the stumbling blocks lead us to fall. Life doesn’t go as planned, and we become offended because God’s plans don’t match ours.
Friend, can you keep your heart soft when God doesn’t show up and save the day?
Can you trust God when his plans don’t match yours?
Learn to keep a soft heart, and you will avoid taking offense when life is disappointing.
2. We remember that our stories aren’t finished yet.
God is on the move in the middle of your struggle. You didn’t sign up for this. But God is going to use this to transform something in your life that will be beautiful when he is done.
Your story isn’t finished just yet. Keep doing the next thing, and trust him to bring this to completion.
3. We keep pressing forward.
Some of the greatest setbacks come when we face rejection. We hear only the word, “No.”
Often, “No,” doesn’t mean, “Never.” It means, “Not yet.”
Don’t give up because this calling is hard. Don’t give up because you’re not getting it right. Keep trying. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Some of the greatest transformation happens in the painful part of the process.
4. We keep testifying to God’s goodness, even when his ways don’t make sense to us.
It’s easy to give thanks when we’re strolling along sandy beaches with gentle waves caressing our feet. It’s not quite so easy to testify to God’s goodness when the storm rages.
How can you testify to God’s goodness today?
Give God glory when life is hard, and you will move ahead in your battle against discouragement.
After my summer of backpacking, I eventually returned to my classroom. I spent close to a decade teaching the students I grew to dearly love. There were hills and valleys along the journey.
Even though it wasn’t what I imagined, God used it in many ways. Some of the most powerful kingdom work took place precisely because it was not what I signed up for.
Don’t lose heart. God is still with you, and he is still working in your life.
Don’t lose heart. God is still with you, and he is still working in your life. #trustingGod #dontgiveup #Godmoves #encounteringGod Share on XA Free Devotional for When You Feel Defeated:
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