The Seasons When the Demon of Discouragement Strikes the Most

The Seasons When the Demon of Discouragement Strikes the Most

By  Dr Joel Dabbas 

There are moments in life when everything feels dark, uncertain, and still. You might find yourself caught in seasons of discouragement, where the weight of the world seems unbearable. These seasons come uninvited, unexpected, and often, in the most challenging of times. But I want you to understand this: every season has its purpose. And though it may seem like discouragement reigns, it is in these very moments of trial that the strength of your character, your faith, and your resolve are forged.

In the spiritual walk, we must understand that life is made up of seasons—some seasons of fruitfulness, others of pruning, and some that are defined by waiting and uncertainty. The seasons where discouragement strikes are not the end of your journey, but rather, they are a proving ground for your growth and your destiny. Today, let us explore these seasons, and see how they are not meant to destroy us, but to build us into who we are meant to be.

The Season of Beginning:

It is often at the start of a new season, a new chapter, that we feel the most hopeful. The excitement of new opportunities, new dreams, and fresh starts can ignite within us a fire. However, the enemy knows that hope is the strongest force you possess. And so, he strikes in these early moments, seeking to discourage you before you even gain traction. The first steps are always the hardest, and sometimes, discouragement comes in the form of doubts. "Can I really do this?" "What if I fail?" "What if it doesn’t work out?" These questions will rise, but I urge you—do not be moved. It is in the beginning that you must solidify your faith and your resolve. Remember, the beginning is never about perfection; it is about commitment. If you stay steadfast, even when the path seems unclear, you will discover that God's grace is there to guide you through.

The Middle of the Season:

Now, here comes the most perilous part of any journey—the middle. At this point, you’ve been working, praying, believing, and yet it seems like there’s still no breakthrough. The work feels endless, and progress appears slow. This is when the enemy’s whispers grow louder. You might ask yourself, "Is this worth it?" The weight of discouragement is heavy, and the finish line seems farther than ever. But the middle is not the place to quit—it is the place of endurance. Do not allow fatigue to rob you of your purpose. The Bible says in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Your harvest will come, but only if you remain faithful in the process. The middle is where your faith is tested, where your resolve is built. It is the season where you learn the most about yourself, and where God molds your character for the future He has in store.

The End of the Season:

The end of a season can often be a place of reflection. You’ve been through the highs and lows, and now you are standing at the crossroads of closure and new beginnings. But as the season comes to a close, there may be feelings of disappointment, confusion, or even resentment. You look back and realize that the expectations you had were not met. You may have hoped for something different, something greater, and yet, what you’ve received seems far from it. But, my friends, not every season is meant to bring the results you envision. Sometimes, God allows you to go through seasons not for the fruit you expect, but for the preparation it brings for the next level of your life. The end of a season may feel like loss, but it is often the birth of a new season of growth, new dreams, and new revelations. Do not mourn what you’ve lost; instead, look forward to what God has prepared for you in the next season.

The Seasons of Waiting:

Ah, waiting—the one season none of us want, yet all of us must experience. It’s in this season that we are most vulnerable to discouragement. Waiting often feels like a dead end. We know there’s something ahead, but it feels like we’re stuck in place, unable to move. The promises God has spoken to us seem distant, and we find ourselves wondering, “Why is this taking so long?” It’s in this season that patience is perfected. God is not just preparing what He has for you; He is preparing you for what He has. Trust in the process. Trust in the silence. For in the waiting, He is working on your heart, building your trust, and molding your character. If you allow the waiting to refine you, it will not be wasted time. Instead, it will be a time of deep preparation for what is coming.

The Seasons of Overwhelming Questions:

There are times when it feels like questions are the only thing that flood our hearts and minds. Why is this happening? Why hasn’t God answered? Why does it feel like everything is falling apart? In the seasons of overwhelming questions, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in confusion. The answers don’t come, and the silence can be deafening. But I tell you this: God is not absent in your questions. He is present, even when you can’t see or feel Him. In the book of Job, we see a man overwhelmed by loss, grief, and confusion. He questioned everything, but God did not leave him. In fact, Job’s questions led him to a deeper revelation of God’s power and sovereignty. Your questions may not have answers now, but they will eventually lead you to a place of greater understanding, greater faith, and greater intimacy with God.

The Seasons of Betrayal and Invalidation:

There are few things more painful than betrayal—the feeling that those you trusted the most have turned their backs on you. Whether it’s friends, family, or people you thought would never hurt you, betrayal cuts deep. And in those moments, the enemy whispers, “See, no one cares. No one is with you. You’re alone.” But let me tell you this—God is closer to you in betrayal than in any other season. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). When you are in a season of betrayal, turn to Him. He is your refuge, your safe place. He will never leave you nor forsake you. And though people may abandon you, you must remember that God’s love for you is unconditional, unshakeable, and unfailing.

The Seasons of Unmet Expectations:

When life doesn’t turn out the way you envisioned, when your plans crumble, and your dreams feel deferred, the heart can grow sick (Proverbs 13:12). Unmet expectations can lead to discouragement and disappointment. You wonder, “What went wrong?” But often, what we think is a setback is actually God redirecting our paths toward something greater. We must trust that His plans for us are far better than our own. While our expectations may not always be met in the way we imagined, God’s timing and purpose are perfect. Trust that He is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). The season of unmet expectations may be one of the most painful, but it is also the season where you grow the most in trusting God’s sovereignty.

The Seasons of Heartbreak:

Heartbreak, in whatever form it comes—whether it’s the loss of a relationship, a dream, or an opportunity—can leave you feeling shattered. But remember this: even in heartbreak, God is near. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” When your heart breaks, His presence draws close to heal, restore, and comfort. Heartbreak may feel like the end of the world, but in reality, it is the beginning of a new chapter, where God will rebuild you stronger, wiser, and more grounded in His love.

Conclusion:

Each of these seasons serves a purpose. None of them are accidents. The times of discouragement, waiting, betrayal, heartbreak—they all have a role in shaping us into who God has destined us to be. The key is not to be moved by the seasons themselves, but to remain rooted in the truth that God is with you through it all. When you endure, when you stand firm in faith, you emerge from these seasons not weaker, but stronger, more refined, and closer to the person God intends for you to become. So, when the demon of discouragement strikes, don’t allow it to define your journey. Instead, use it as a tool for your growth, for your greater glory, and for the fulfillment of God’s perfect purpose for your life.