1. Frog on a Post

2. Introduction ● A new addition to my frog sermons ● I got this idea while I was in Russia last fall. ● Here is the story. ● The frogs decided to have their own olympics ● One event was to climb a fence post ● Many started, fell back or became exhausted

3. Introduction ● All the frogs on the ground watching were yelling to them: – Give up. – It can't be done. – No one has ever done it. – It is impossible. – Quit before you have a heart attack. – It is no use.

4. Introduction ● But one frog just kept trying, stuggling and gradually made it to the top. ● He made it when no one else got half way up. ● Now the crowd wants to know how he was able to make it when the others could not.

5. Introduction ● But he did not recognize the shouts from the crowd. ● He does not answer their questions. ● THIS FROG WAS DEAF!

6. DISCOURAGEMENT ● The world is full of “Negative Nellies” ● They tell us what can't be done. Give up. It is impossible. What's the use? ● We are often easily discouraged. ● There are many naysayers in our lives.

7. DISCOURAGEMENT ● We need a Barnabas in our life. ● Acts 4:36-37 36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. ● Name – Joses; Nickname – Barnabas ● Barnabas = Encouragement

8. How to Overcome Discouragement ● Pray.

9. How to Overcome Discouragement ● Pray. ● Remember who God is.

10. How to Overcome Discouragement ● Pray. ● Remember who God is. ● Be prepared for discouraging situaitons.

11. How to Overcome Discouragement ● Pray. ● Remember who God is. ● Be prepared for discouraging situaitons. ● Stick to your assignment.

12. How to Overcome Discouragement ● Pray. ● Remember who God is. ● Be prepared for discouraging situaitons. ● Stick to your assignment. ● Refill your spiritual tank.

13. How to Overcome Discouragement ● Take care of your physical health.

14. How to Overcome Discouragement ● Take care of your physical health. ● Spend time with those who encourage.

15. How to Overcome Discouragement ● Take care of your physical health. ● Spend time with those who encourage. ● Resist Satan's efforts to discourage you.

16. How to Overcome Discouragement ● Take care of your physical health. ● Spend time with those who encourage. ● Resist Satan's efforts to discourage you. ● Choose faith over fear.

17. How to Overcome Discouragement ● Take care of your physical health. ● Spend time with those who encourage. ● Resist Satan's efforts to discourage you. ● Choose faith over fear. ● Never give up.

18. Frog on a Post ● Remember how the frog got to the top of the fence post. ● He did not allow the negative discouragement to stop him.