Proverbs 24:10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
Scripture is not saying that a godly person will never become discouraged. Even faithful servants of God experienced fear, discouragement, and moments of weakness. The issue is not whether we become discouraged, but whether we remain there or rise again in faith and obedience.
Four Biblical examples of failure in adversity: [1] Jacob (Gen. 42:36). When Jacob believed that Joseph and then Benjamin might be lost, his response was: “All these things are against me.” His grief caused him to interpret circumstances through despair. [2] David (1Sam. 27:1). David became so discouraged while fleeing Saul that he said: “I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul.” Yet God had repeatedly protected him. His adversity temporarily weakened his faith. [3] Elijah (1Kin. 19:3-4). After his great victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah became afraid of Jezebel and fled for his life. He became so discouraged that he asked God to take his life. Even a faithful servant can become overwhelmed under prolonged pressure. [4] Jonah (Jonah 4:1-11). Jonah became angry when God showed mercy to Nineveh. His circumstances exposed selfishness and a lack of spiritual perspective.
These examples do not teach that God’s servants never become discouraged. Rather, they show that adversity exposes weaknesses that need to be strengthened by faith. The answer to adversity is not despair but renewed dependence upon God.
