This article was originally posted by Joni Eareckson Tada on the Joni & Friends website (http://www.joniandfriends.org/daily-devotional/).

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:6-7

Nothing dampens the fires of enthusiasm more than discouragement. When you’re discouraged, the glow of excitement for the Lord dims, like embers of a dying fire. That’s the time to “fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you.”

For years Mrs. Hanover prayed for her husband’s salvation. Then, one day, he was killed in an automobile accident. She lost her husband -- not only to this earth but for all eternity. Discouraged, she stopped living for the Lord.

Five years later she met Roger Sims, who told her an amazing story. Roger said he had been hitchhiking when Mr. Hanover picked him up. During the course of their ride, Roger witnessed to Mr. Hanover. Well, he was so convicted that he pulled his car over on the side of the road and prayed. Roger explained that eventually Mr. Hanover dropped him off. Mrs. Hanover was wide-eyed. It was later on that very day the fateful accident happened.

While Mrs. Hanover felt immense surprise and joy, she also cried tears of regret for having given up in discouragement. From that point on, she fanned the dying embers of her faith, until her confidence in God was restored.

We Christians often give over to discouragement with hardly a fight. We let doubts gain a toehold, and before you know it, they have a foothold, then a hand-hold. Then we chuck it all.

Each of us faces disheartening circumstances. But no matter what happens, keep trusting, keep obeying. Discouragement is like a dark tunnel. The only thing that will brighten your path is to fan the flames of your faith until it’s a fire. Obedience then will light your way out the other side.

Our Father, give me perseverance in the face of disappointment. Enable me to keep on keeping on.