One of the most memorable moments in "old school" television is on Good Times when James died and Florida said her famous "d" "D" "D" line. As children, we thought it was kind of funny, mainly because we were like "oooo, she said a cuss word, hahaha." But now as an adult I see three major and consecutive Ds occurring in the lives of too many of God's children, so it is my mission today to expose them and break their hold on the people so that we can all be free from their condemnation. The three Ds I am referring to are Disappointment, which turns into Discouragement, which then results in Defeat.

So often in life we find things that are disappointing. What we must learn is that we are not promised a life free of disappointment, nor should we expect it. Disappointment is going to happen, but it is how we react to it that matters. Disappointment is usually the result of our expectations or desires not being met, but I want you to know that you can learn to become content in all things and be free through the God who never disappoints. Either you can fix the situation or you can't; if you can fix it, the problem is solved, and if you can't then since stressing isn't going to fix it anyway, shake the dust of it off of your feet and move on. In all things though, contentment can solve the disappointment woes. Read, understand, and apply the following scriptures to your situations:

Philippians 4:12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (NIV)

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (NIV)

Discouragement is very often the result of disappointment. We get disappointed and begin to lose hope, feeling like just maybe we didn't deserve to have it work out how we wanted it, or like it wasn't worth trying or seeking. Jesus has told us though to just seek and we shall find and to knock and it shall be opened. Just have faith. And, know that if God doesn't give it to us just yet that there is a reason whether we can't handle it yet, don't understand enough for it yet, or we may have just made some errors in our way to it which we only have to handle maturely to overcome. I want you to know that you deserve the best! If something doesn't work out it's not the end of the world, just keep on keeping on! God knows your needs and desires of your heart and is faithful and just in all His ways, and will never allow more than you are able to bear. Be blessed by these scriptures and apply them to your life today, and lean on each other, for through each other, we are encouraged.

Romans 1:11-12 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong - that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. (NIV)

Romans 15:2-4 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (NIV)

Last is the issue of defeat. After being discouraged for so long, we often become defeated, which is basically the state of mind where all hope is gone and you completely give up on things. I want to let you know that you should never accept defeat because you can always win. You can rest on this assurance because you have God in you, and God cannot lose. All you can do that may be considered losing is giving up. Choosing a new course is not giving up; giving up is giving up, and this is something that you don't have to do, because in God, you always have the victory. I pray that, in conclusion, you also read these last scriptures and apply them to your life, then in faith go forth in complete victory, knowing and believing that you deserve all that Jesus has done for you for He came that you may have life, and life more abundantly. Be blessed in the Lord, for in Him you have won!

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

1 John 5:3-5 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)

Bless you in the name of Jesus!!!

Rev. Kelvin N. Broadus