Definition:

Defeat is defined as the act of defeating or state of being defeated; failure to win. Also seen as a coming to naught of a thing, or frustration, such as the defeat of a life long dream.

Brief Explanation:

“I can’t” or “yes but,” frequent phrases heard by counselors are difficult to deal with, and are often experienced as forms of resistance to the counseling process. A defeated person, one who feels they cannot change, cannot overcome, cannot make it, are not good enough, etc., are some of the most difficult cases we deal with.

Encouraging them to overcome is often the best we can offer. Part of a counselors hope is to give the word and words of wisdom that counteract the negative defeatist attitudes of the client. Taking thoughts captive (cognitive restructuring or renewing the mind) is key, and is hard work, that you hope the client will engage in. God’s word, the seed of life is significantly more powerful than any word sown by others of a negative bent, and we must trust that over time the  good  seed  will  overtake the negative, and defeat will turn into victory.

The Word of God:

Proverbs 24:16

“For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of calamity.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”