Q: How can I prepare for missions when others try to discourage me?

It is not surprising that the Enemy might want to dissuade you, and sometimes he even uses those around us. The way to defeat him is not to rail against individuals but call on the name of the Lord, ask for His protection, claim His armor (Eph 6), and trust Him to make "all things work together for good" (Rom 8:29). The Scripture says that "faithful are the wounds of a friend" (Prov 27:6). Listen carefully to the criticisms of your detractors, even if they come across as harsh. They may contain some truth. Share these comments with older friends and ask them to help you understand what you should learn from what you are hearing. People often don’t say things to our face because they lack the courage. Therefore they talk behind our backs. However, we still need to learn from their words. None of us is perfect and the Lord uses many different types of experiences to shape us.

Above all, ask the Lord for patience. Perhaps the Lord is preparing you for missionary service through this experience. You will suffer far worse opportunities for discouragement once you get involved in cross-cultural missionary activity! Staying humble, not talking back, learning from criticism, and placing this whole situation before the Lord is a powerful means of spiritual growth.

It would be good to for you to spend time reading the Psalms. Note how the Psalmist experienced attack after attack, even from his closest friends.

We live in a fallen world and things like discouragement happen. This is true for all of us. The key is to stay close to Jesus Christ. Spend quality and quantity time reading His word and praying and waiting on Him (communicating with our commander in chief). Part of the problem is often low self esteem - also a result of our fallen world. Deal with childhood and other issues. We all have some of these. See a Christian counselor if necessary and learn to trust Jesus in everything and for everything no matter how dark the path may seem. Pray against Satan and his hosts in the name of Jesus, commanding him to leave you. Call upon the Lord and spend time praising HIM asking for strength and peace and joy that only He brings and "may the God of peace be with you."

Note: not all discouragement is from our enemy but it is good to pray against this possibility and it is good to put him in his place!