preached @ Metro by Pastor Jeff Williams 15th October 2006

David had finished fighting the giant Goliath. Little did he realise in the years ahead he was going to have to face 4 more giants....... 

2 Samuel 21:15-17 Many years after David’s battle with Goliath.He had become weak and exhausted (verse 15) One of David’s mighty men stepped in to fight for him. They probably thought, Oh NO not another giant!!!

Ishibi Benonob – means "to retreat, to feel discouraged".

David didn’t have the energy to fight again.The enemy will hit you when you are tired, he looks for an opportunity! People who are discouraged generally lack confidence enthusiasm the conviction to do what is best. They can end up saying -  WHAT”S THE USE!!!   

We can settle into a level of mediocrity - try to make the best of the situation, but never rise above.

THE ANSWER The stone of others

  We need each other!!

Discourage – lack of courage, a lack of courage to face a situation. Discouragement puts us and our situation as the final authority in our lives. It doesn’t allow room for God and His supernatural.

When we encourage someone we help give them the courage to face whatever situation they are facing.

Leviticus 26:7-9 (New International Version) 7 You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you. 8 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. 5 – 100 100 – 10,000.  5 times more effective

Hebrews 10:24-25 (New International Version) 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching