When You’re Discouraged

It’s not unusual to experience discouragement on the road to holiness, especially when we live in a world that is filled with temptations and persecution. With God on our side, nothing the devil can do will ever prevail over us. However, it’s the moment we become too discouraged to ask God for help that the devil is waiting for. So how can we prevent this from happening?
Today, Fr. Mike explains the root of discouragement in our faith journey, and how to keep leaning on God through that struggle.
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[@pattisiedlicki]

Jesus said to St. Faustina, “My child, know that the greatest obstacles to holiness are discouragement and an exaggerated anxiety. “ When I feel discouraged, I read and reread this and it helps me to feel peace. Praying for all my brothers and sisters listening to this. Thank you, Father Mike!

[@Rich.-]

Oh so true!!! This is one huge hurdle. It means trusting blindly in Jesus. What a beautiful way to live.

[@howdydocowgirlcowgirl181]

Faustina was a fraudulent heretic

[@noticinunoticinme]

Catholics preach a false gospel! It is not faith plus works = salvation. We are saved by faith in Jesus only!

[@pattisiedlicki]

@@noticinunoticinme The Catholic Church has never taught we "earn" our salvation. It is an inheritance, freely given to anyone who becomes a child of God (1 John 3:1), so long as they remain that way (John 15:1-11). You can't earn it but you can lose the free gift given from the Father (James 1:17). God bless!

[@noticinunoticinme]

@@pattisiedlicki Works has nothing to do with salvation😄

[@dragonfruit6532]

Just after slipping up with an addiction, this shows up. God is good.

[@michelleo7501]

Same.....went right away to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation it released the burden of guilt and shame so I can work on the rest with God's grace. Satan & his demons tremble at Jesus!! Stay Strong 💪!! 🙏

[@OriginalBonJovi]

I’m in the same boat. Blessed be God who comforts us in all our trials. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4)

[@mrss4328]

One day at a time. Call your sponsor.

[@Nyrua]

Amen

[@chomperthefirst533]

Take yourself seriously Dragonfruit! Avoid even near occasions of sin - with Jesus’s grace and mercy! ❤🙏🏻✝️

[@dianeuecker5186]

I am scared, I am in my 60's & I don't know if I'm going to be able to continue to support myself. Inflation is very bad when your on a fixed income. I know God doesn't want us to think about money, but I don't know what will happen to me. I just keep praying. 🙏

[@patriciam1550]

I'm praying for you. I'm in the same boat.

[@denisefox6495]

Praying for you... I see it has been a year since you posted, how are you doing now? Love in Christ, 🙏🏼✝️❤️

[@lohanthony]

Perfect timing for this video; what a beautiful word! Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit!

[@johnangelino437]

As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever, amen!

[@John.Christopher]

For as well my brother and sister

[@henrylee8510]

He lika da young boys too? McCarrick Jr?

[@anonymousguy720]

DEUS VULT!

[@Nyrua]

I missed it. What's the timestamp of the start of the Glory be prayer?

[@karina996]

I’ve done something wrong and I feel discouraged to go to confession I can’t believe this came on my timeline when I feel discouraged. Thank you father for always uploading uplifting videos it’s never unnoticed don’t ever stop…

[@IONov990]

Never feel discouraged. I went to confession last Saturday and I have not been since January. I felt so much lighter after leaving confession.

[@phatkid6811]

I'm with you...; I'll pray for your strength - please pray for mine. :)

[@mpkropf5062]

@@IONov990Believe most people don’t go to confession often enough!

[@den.utarbaev]

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Thank you, Father

[@dailyrandomjokes9141]

Man, was just feeling discouraged. Great timing Lord!

[@Benderdidit]

Same, God bless you to better times.

[@AimeeJeaneElizabeth]

Me too! Thank you Jesus and God bless you Father Mike 🙏♥️🕊

[@melisapalermo711]

Same!

[@mkf628]

same

[@GiftofChaosStudio]

I just went to confession for the first time in 17 years. Living life full of regret and fully discouraged can really destroy you! If you feel this way, take baby steps. Go to a mass, pray a part of your rosary and build up. God will get you out!

[@adrianapereira689]

Thank you! For what you wrote. I try to pray consistently and other times I am easily discouraged.. I won't give up!🙏

[@jennifercalhoun1366]

My 5 yr old just listened to this with me. His take away was "If God forgives us then if people make us mad we should forgive them and not hit them." Thank you for providing wonderful family friendly catholic videos.

[@judyr5011]

WOW, just WOW. What an insightful child.

[@scopilio13]

that is part of the Lord's prayer.

[@M4TCH3SM4L0N3]

"I shouldn't need God as much as I do" Thank you for making this so clear, because I absolutely struggle with this, but hearing it put this way perfectly highlights the absurdity of the sentiment.

[@janecrawford6305]

Same here!

[@Nyrua]

I downloaded this because I felt the comment above it was more important than this one so that this comment would stay below the comment above this one. The comment above this one is written by someone named Allan.

[@samrashe8295]

This is just what I need. I'm broke and need healing

[@ashlings390]

🙏🏻

[@jeffreyskinner7167]

Call on Jesus name Sam . Galatians 6:11 . God healed me of aids related cancer 28 years ago . Call on the mane if Jesus. 🙏❤️🇨🇦

[@suew4609]

@@jeffreyskinner7167 I’ve been praying for healing from a progressively debilitating disease for 32 years. I feel abandoned and discouraged. I’m glad God answered your prayer.

[@jo5678]

Ahh, that's why I love catholiscm. Taking God seriously and with respect. I've been to christian denominations or their mass and it was so laid back. There was no alter but a simple wooden cross at the front. The children go their own ways and or play in the playground. Also other churches seemed like I was at a theater where I was in a dark room with coffee and donuts. Since I was a child and even in my 20s it didnt sit right with me. I'm glad I'm catholic and still have a lot to learn. 💕

[@DarkAngel-cj6sx]

Reverence is definitely catholic

[@PLP_305]

As long as you establish relationship with Jesus Christ and believe, it shouldn’t matter where it took place!

[@GeoffreyChilesTV]

@@PLP_305 If the True Presence is there.

[@PLP_305]

@@GeoffreyChilesTV I feel the true presence in my beat up car on the way to work. I’m just saying we are missing the point. If salvation is found in finding and believing in Christ it should not matter the place He found you. If a Catholic Church is where it is that is amazing, but let’s not under cut other churches because of them serving coffee and doughnuts when in reality it’s not about the Church it’s about His message.

[@onemore5952]

Looking down on other denominations for not fitting with the way you think is best. How very catholic of you! 🧸

[@kevinmichael9363]

I felt like Father Mike was speaking directly to me. Pride, get thee behind me! Blessings.

[@AllanKoayTC]

i was there. i was angry with God, and said I would never pray to Him ever again. now, a couple years later, i am here, following BiaY every day and listening to God speaking to me. Praise the Lord for bringing me back and forgiving me for my anger.

[@AllanKoayTC]

@John King the problem is that we can't always see what God has planned for us. even the tough times are necessary for us to get ot where God has intended us to be. i now understand this. don't worry, even Abraham didn't know what was ahead after God made a promise to him. and like Abraham, we have to trust in God completely. trust that He always has our best interest at heart.

[@Nyrua]

Praise God. 😘 Praise God. *Palms together*

[@7CFlo]

@@AllanKoayTCThats true. Even Abraham must have doubted Gods power at one point. Didnt he have a child with Hagar because he and his wife didnt think she could conceive at her age?

[@ceciliagouveia704]

So many of us are feeling discouraged, hopeless, and the Devil is l aughing. He thinks he won? . Don't despair, stay positive,no matter what. Stop putting pressure on yourselves. You know we need god. We are blessed, We have the ability to be strong, and forgive yourself.Take God and his mercy seriously!

[@josephzammit6396]

Well said! I’m publishing a weekly KZbin video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him. Thank you.

[@taniya8455]

❤

[@EuropeanQoheleth]

Being positive is bound up in new age thinking. Hope is better than optimism anyway.

[@mdruane]

I wish parishes would offer more times for confessions.

[@imalive4u169]

You can call up your Parish office and schedule an appointment for the Sacrament of Reconciliation when it's convenient for you.

[@mdruane]

@@imalive4u169 I have done that. But I cannot help but wonder if people are discouraged about confession because the one time is during work, or when they show up, they get in line, but they don't get in on time and they don't get in for thst grace. I think our priests are asked to do too much administrative work and it's eating into their time to minister to the parish.

[@crisr3055]

@@mdruane true depending on parish, their parishioners, number of priests. It’s been a roulette of confessions.

[@millamaya]

Not only more often but also offer "better" confessions. Nowadays it's rare to go to confession and listen to the priest give advice, have a good chat, etc...now one enters the confessional and leaves with no advice at all from most priests. As if they were in a hurry or didn't care about the souls!! oh that Padre PIO helps all priests offer a good confession just as he did. 🙏🏻

[@crisr3055]

@@millamaya I hear and trust me I truly do. I was only getting 3 Hail Mary, but no feedback. So I had to go in my prayer books and look for prayers other than act of contrition. Or do novenas, types of rosary’s, or types of Litany. Eventually talking to Our Heavenly Father before Mass. Doing the Act of Contrition again. And then receive The Eucharist. Moral vs Venal. Not All priest the time, and now it’s by appointment. But as long God Knows that your truly are sorry for you Mortal Sins (& Venal), and if God knows your trying. Then you be the judge of kneeling, sitting, or being blessed during communion. But I will say, don’t take upon yourself for circumstances you cannot control, but also try you very best not to offend God by making the same sins into a habit. Remember God Knows your Heart. Pray without cease. To Our Blessed Mother, And Intercession of Patron Saint. And don’t forget the Virtues of the Blessed Rosary. Amén. God Bless. Amén

[@dsc4178]

For most people unnecessary lockdowns and quarantines of healthy people sure discourage everyone.

[@Richie016]

Taking one's sins and God seriously, while being humble ensures get closer with Him and allowing Him to forgive sins.

[@christophewakim3587]

Hey guys I am tempted to be discouraged please pray for me

[@lovelast4evergemma508]

Praying for you 🙏✝️🛐🙏🌹🕊️

[@abellarizk9224]

Praying for you

[@terigans7198]

Praying for you. Hold on to Jesus.

[@basedviet]

Thank you Father Mike. This spoke to me. My girlfriend and I are going through a tough season. We lost her mother a few months ago after a short battle with a very aggressive cancer. We are now dealing with the fallout and the effects it had on our relationship. Praying for the best but I trust in God’s plan for me. Would appreciate any and all prayers. Thank you.

[@noticinunoticinme]

Matthew 23:9. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

[@joanmorris3505]

Praying for you

[@JoJo-xo6fh]

Pride!! Yes I do need God to Overcome this Trial! I need him daily to Overcome my Sin!! Sin of Self Reliance!! 🙏❤️

[@metsanmet582]

That happened to me at the beginning of my conversion. I failed so many times that literally i fuond myself thinking "no way God is gonna forgive me again... I'm just useless to Him"... After that, and i don't know how, i found an article about discouragement, and believe me i wasn't searching for that, at all. Then i start crying like a baby, i could't believe what's happening. I thought there was something wrong with me, but now i'm pretty much sure i got saved that night.

[@heathsavage4852]

I am easily discouraged and given to a sense of my own uselessness and personal incompetence. This is very timely. Thank you Father Mike.

[@munteanubianca1386]

My heart rises every time I listen to you. You are my therapy without even knowing me. Thank you, Father Mike!

[@noticinunoticinme]

Matthew 23:9. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

[@SomewhereInIndiana1816]

Most definitely!! Very well put. I feel like that too.

[@annced8241]

I have been afflicted with this kind of pride for so long - taking myself so seriously and feeling I shouldn’t need GOD’s forgiveness as often as I do. Thank you Father Mike.

[@josephbreeden4912]

Thank you for this, I have been in an ongoing battle with my sins for so long, and I always end up being so miserable afterwards, that I've started to pray more, and I've started to sin less and less. But this video tops it. Thank you, God knows that i, and others in the same funk as I am, have been struggling so much and this is something that we've needed to hear. God Bless to You All at Ascension Presents. Blessings from Texas 🙌🙌🙌

[@janecrawford6305]

I broke down this morning from discouragement, thinking I "shouldn't be so weak"...thanks for the kick in the pa-tooty Father Mike, with God's grace and love.

[@rose4490]

I think the secular nature of our current culture cultivates discouragement in people of faith. I literally just got off the phone with a friend of my who is my prayer partner, and I think it's really important to associate with other Catholic friends, and to pray together, and encourage each other. I used to have an atheist friend, but I had to step back from that friendship, because he would talk about how he didn't need God constantly. I finally told him that I didn't appreciate the way he was constantly talking about how he didn't need God. I asked him if he was trying to convert me to being a non-believer, and told him that I'm Catholic to the bone, and that l would rather die as a Catholic than live as an atheist. Well, after that this person quit calling me, and I'm fine with that. I hope he someday finds his way back to Christ, but I just couldn't continue to deal with the way this person talked to me.

[@holyspiritpresents]

Wow yes we do need to associate with other Catholics. I had the same problem as well but God lead me to letting go of that friend. I pray for her everyday and I encourage you to pray for that person who is an atheist and even with the intercession of Mary and you may see their conversion!

[@josephzammit6396]

Well said! I’m publishing a weekly KZbin video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him. Thank you.

[@daboxer181]

Going for my first confesssion in over 30 years this saturday. Lord Jesus Christ , son of God , have mercy on me , a sinner.

[@liliherndz5792]

In our weaknesses HE is strength 🙏🏻🕯✝️🕯🙏🏻

[@eagleseyeencouragement]

Wow! I'm not Catholic, rather non denominational, but this message cut through all denominational ties. I've never heard the topic of discouragement explained this way.

[@nancyemery4717]

Profound and Much needed teaching Father Mike! The Holy Spirit continues to bless you with His wisdom and knowledge🙏🏻

[@johnjovi417]

Father I hope you helped as many people as you have helped me

[@amesharlem9325]

Just want you to know, you've been very comforting to me in very hard times for me lately. I just came across your podcast, and started listening. I'm not even Catholic, but I count Catholics as my brothers and sisters.

[@realmsabovetheclouds3619]

Same

[@larry1824]

Rosary helps center me helps me almost start my day over again

[@Vicky-sv5pv]

I need God more than anything right now. I am homebound and just need him.

[@michelemcdermott75]

Easier said than done Father!

[@littlemac1910]

As Catholics. We need to take the Holy Sacrifice of the mass seriously!

[@gdniteirene]

I lost my legs and fingers after a dog bite. I'm really struggling with worry and fear. Listening to you helps, Fr Mike. Thank you.

[@nehemaialord2653]

Father, you refreshing my knowledge of the Catholic Church

[@lafranglaise3399]

"Why are you surprised when weakness is actually weak". Spot on. If a weakness were easy to conquer it wouldn't be a weakness. This video came just at the right time for me. I'm on the cusp of discouragement in the face of battling my weaknesses. Bless you Father Mike for these ENcourageing words.

[@CatholicWhisper]

Everyone gets discouraged from time to time 💕 It’s part of the Journey💕

[@amenamen5204]

Thank You Jesus for Fr. Mike

[@lisepaterson9047]

Its only Jesus that gives me peace and reading the promises , my son is in between wanting to party and be 21 and practicing his faith he prays but i know its a struggle for him and my daughter social media is all about the looks and than sex its so hard for them to get the right direction in life .I pray for more young adult bible studies group times and i pray for young adults to want to go to those classes to learn about god .please pray for these young kids🙏

[@albertinadumea4055]

First. God bless you all 🎁🤗👼👼🍒🎉😍🙏

[@wilhelminasibley942]

Thanks for your beautiful encouragement. Help me o lord. Thank you so very much for loving me. And carrying me through the dark days.

[@reinhardkruger2536]

Such a wonderful message in these times where so many people are discouraged from the lures of the Devil's playground.

[@filipedasilva9803]

So true. Thank you.Pride is something that always stopped and stops me from fulfilling gods will in my life. By relying on God and by taking my sins and all related to it seriously i am able to cast my burdens upon the lord who quite correctly never gave up on me

[@edenjohnson3342]

"I need to take God seriously, I need to take our sins seriously, the commandments seriously....I need to take myself less seriously to believe that I cannot be that weak, I cannot need that much help, I shouldn't be this broken.....The truth is that I am in that much need of help.....I am that broken....Missionary when she prayed to Jesus about her weakness: Jesus said to her, you acknowledge that you are weak but why are you so surprised that weakness is actually weak? That's the self reliance that leads to condemnation....C. S. Lewis: It's not thinking of ourselves as so bad, so awful....It's just thinking of ourselves less.....God's judgement is real. BUT also, take God's mercy seriously.... He says, cast your burdens on me, I love you even in your woundedness...His willingness to forgive us is infinite.....His mercy is without end and it's new every morning...."

[@cj7girl280]

I keep asking our Lord for help and a true state in life. A mission. A purpose. A vocation, the grace to do things that "norms" do. But still haven't received His graces.. And I am no longer a "spring- chick" and the older I get the harder it becomes to trust that He hears me or that I am loved and here for a reason..a mission. Please pray for me! For a clear and doable vocation! Thanks and God bless!

[@barbarawalsh2875]

It always amazes me how you always come through with something just when I need the most. On Monday, I will find out what scheduling and protocol they will use for my thyroid cancer say I haven’t had some upsetting moments would be a lie to say I haven’t been discouraged, would be a lie, but not at God, the situation I do not like but there’s a reason for it. And I believe through prayer and asking for the necessary help I need. Right now due to the illness and the fact that is very cold here. After all you’re in the Midwest, you know. I can’t go anywhere until I go to the doctor on Monday so I’ve been sitting in on the front pew for the last three weeks. I will be there tomorrow. I am looking forward to spending my Sunday morning with you. Thank you again somehow between you and the Holy Spirit you seem to find the message I need to hear raise my spirit and remind me that all things are possible through the Lord. Have a blessed weekend stay warm.

[@celinamejia4154]

Thank you Father Mike!!!! My priest in confession told me exctly the same, your words always makes me be more next to God!

[@MAGATonyG]

God bless you Fr Mike

[@user-ji2on8eg3l]

Oh my Jesus. Forgive us our sins. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.

[@blondetapperware8289]

Literally shower up the moment I felt discouraged

[@cjpaisano]

Well! Since you put it that way ... let me try again. :) Great advice and teaching.

[@MissPopuri]

So, I might feel this way whenever the thought of 10-12 hour shifts comes up at work. The fact that my work has more of a share of my day and can find helpful people to work with me doesn’t change the fact that I need to find a community or group outside of work to take me into their arms.

[@clare_jordin]

I definitely relate 🥲

[@MrJjg123ish]

@AscensionPresents could you consider making a video about why God allows people into your life and then allows them to leave no matter how hard you try (and come in and out of your life to reopen the wounds at will)? Also, why He allows the mentally ill to suffer as they do and why they do what I referenced above.

[@luisrodriguez8138]

What a great video! Deo Gratias!

[@americanrefugee6756]

Father Schmitz, you make my heart smile. Thank you, and God Bless! 🌹✝️💪🏻

[@colleenfrance]

Ex nihilio singing 🤣🤣 you are a gem!

[@ayrtonjohn2001]

To all those reading this I highly recommend reading the diary of St. Faustina, she went through a ton of discouragement and all sorts of suffering in her journey in becoming a Saint

[@aleahhxo]

thank you for commenting this!! i need this help right now 😔🙏❤️

[@alexandraveloso9604]

I remember I dealt with alot of spiritual warfare for some time then I felt sad,dry and more.yis affected my faith negatively.my faith was being eaten, I'm so grateful that the Lord is with me.i have little faith and trust.

[@ronnysmith4475]

It's destiny that when I felt most down, almost to very dark places, this came out. Thank you

[@tfrealconnor8119]

As a teen, suffering with these temptations, these videos and my parish community are the best I could ask for. Father Mike is so wise and has the great ability to turn these hard times into spiritual life building points and solutions. Thank you so much :)

[@Cher170]

Awesome!

[@josephineahelle5094]

God Bless u Fr Mike! Ur enthusiasm is contagious 🙏😇😊

[@angelahagemeyer698]

I think I needed to hear the part about not taking myself so seriously. I have been having a huge crisis of faith with the Church (big C church) since all the Covid madness began. I've been questioning everything about the hierarchy and Rome and all of it. It's constantly on my mind and I read and research etc but I never come to any conclusions, just more confusion. I think this video was a nudge to stop trying to figure it out on my own, put aside my pride and just listen to God.

[@californiamom4913]

Perfect timing!

[@leandrosalgado2772]

Humility is not thinking less of ourselves, it is thinking of ourselves less. Nice!

[@sarahkoob4490]

Wow....was there ty fr Mike.

[@nimajosec3583]

Great timing.. 😊

[@zachopacko1573]

Thank you

[@AStupidTVLOL]

Thank you needed to hear this 🙏

[@Zarthalad]

I needed this today.

[@francesmorales1094]

Woah! Thanks Padre Mike!

[@christinebeaudoin8703]

Love this! Thank you Father Mike!

[@soonsuicidal]

Thanks Fr. Mike!

[@mattdube2406]

Just beautiful!

[@beachgirl4]

Thank you sir

[@JovialBuchanan]

I need this today ❣

[@victoriavendiola5657]

Thanks Fr.Mike.

[@christiandpaul631]

You are inspired.

[@juliagutierrez3676]

This talk hit the core of my heart ❤️ 😢

[@yourstruly200]

Very timely.

[@LadyAnna284]

So helpful! Thank you! God bless!

[@giarose6493]

Thanks 🙏💯❤️🌹

[@mistyviolet3825]

THANK YOU 🙏🏻 😇

[@anadeanda6421]

Nailed it! Thank you Father🙏🙏🙏🐑

[@joyyoung3319]

Thank You Fr. God Bless You!

[@alfredodelgadillo347]

Thanks!

[@Nyrua]

Thank you father Mike.

[@bluejay4620]

Needed this. ❤️

[@wellbhoy7]

Thank you Father Mike.

[@elsieramirez2189]

Thank you Father Mike AMEN

[@CatherineMorris53]

Thank you Father Mike ❤️

[@MrLuca12121]

really needed this

[@giarose6493]

Love you

[@Felidaud202]

Thanks for all your work, father!!

[@jjsmama401]

Thanks Father Mike! I really needed this today!