A Letter for Believers by David Wilkerson

David Wilkerson is a pastor at Times Square Church in New York City. This letter was included with a monthly message he sends out.

"Dearly Beloved:

IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW DOWNCAST YOU GET-GOD WILL NEVER FORSAKE YOU!

Satan's great work against God's people is discouragement. Within moments of enjoying a spiritual victory, every believer becomes a target for the powers of hell. The devil attacks us with lies about our marriages, our friendships, our callings. He replays in our minds every sin, failure and foolish thing we've ever done. By the time he's finished we're crying, 'Lord, I'll never make it!'

David was brought so low by a demonic spirit that he was dumbfounded in God's presence. 'I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man...in whose mouth are not reproofs' (Psalm 38:13-14). This last phrase means 'a man who has no arguments left.' David was saying, 'Lord, I'm too discouraged to even lift my hand. I can't pray because I'm too confused to speak. My spirit is drained and empty. I have nothing to say.'

I tell you, David's trial was not unique. I have read many biographies of devout men and women whom the Lord used mightily, and every one of these people struggled through the same kind of crippling discouragement. David voiced the universal cry of the righteous soul that endures an attack of discouragement: 'I am ready to halt[fall], and my sorrow is continually before me' (38-17). David was saying, 'Lord, I'm not going to make it. I'm at my absolute end, about to fall.'

If you're enduring an attack from a demonic spirit of discouragement, I suggest you do three things: (1) Do not try to maneuver your way out of your trial. The battle is far beyond your human skill or power to wage. (2) When the attack comes don't think it is unusual. God allows this kind of fiery testing with all his saints. (3) Go to prayer, giving the Holy Spirit time to do his work. When you're under discouragement you won't feel like praying. But you still need to go to your secret place to be in Jesus' presence. It is the Spirit's job to lift you out of your pit.

In such low times the Lord is very patient with us. He knows our condition and He identifies with us. If you don't have the strength to speak, reach out to him in your spirit, and trust the Spirit to do His work in you. Say in your heart, 'Lord, I know your Spirit abides in me. I know you have sent him to comfort me, strengthen me and reveal the mind of Christ to me. Holy Spirit, I turn to You now in simple faith. Speak to my heart your words of comfort. I have no strength left; You have to lift me up and lead me.'

Dare to believe he will speak to you. You're not going to faint. Indeed, you'll come out of your trial more victorious because your faith will have been tested and tried as gold. Watch and see the Lord fulfill every promise He has made to you.

God bless you.
In Christ,

David Wilkerson"