Challenges, trials and temptations are part of life in God’s creation. Deuteronomy 32:4 says, The Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are justice. That is why the Lord wants us to give thanks always in all things, 1 Thessalonians 5:18. The bible says God will not withhold anything good from us, Romans 8:28; 1 Timothy 4:4. If God allows challenges, then it is for our good.
Challenges are Jesus’ way of drawing us closer to God. Jesus invites us to come to him for rest with our burdens, Matthew 11:28. In adversity, God demonstrates his power and authority. God says we should call him in times of trouble and he will deliver us, Psalms 50:15, Proverbs 1:28, Romans 10:13. Challenges remind us that Jesus is above all and nothing was made without him, John 1:3. All powers and authorities are subject to his command so he can make public spectacle of them, Colossians 2:15.
Challenges reveal man’s inadequacy or incapacity to defend himself. Remember, the nature of our battles is spiritual, against principalities, powers, world rulers of darkness, and host of wickedness in the heavenly places, Ephesians 6:12. Challenges remind us of the tactics of the enemy which is to steal, to kill and to destroy, John 10:10. We therefore have to pray without ceasing, Luke 18:1. This is because with Jesus, no weapon formed against us shall succeed, Isaiah 54:17. With Christ Jesus we are more than conquerors, Romans 8:37. In trials, God demonstrates the sufficiency of his grace to perfect our weakness, 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Challenges are trials of our faith in God so we are to count it all joy when we face them, James 1:2. No temptation has overtaken us that is not common to man, 1 Corinthians 10:13. This is how Jesus became our hero, Mark 10:38-39; We can prayerfully learn from other spiritual giants in the faith. Challenges help us to refocus on Jesus rather than on worldly treasures that will be consumed by moth and rust and where thieves break in and steal but are preserved in heaven, Matthew 6:19-20.
Challenges are to urge and inspire us to finish the race with gladness. Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7 that he has fought a good fight, he has finished the race and kept the faith and awaiting his crown which he would have. Will you also finish the race? What crown are you expecting?
Do not quit, fight and finish the race, keep the faith for a worthy crown. We can overcome if we engage in prayer and in plea we must make our request known to God, Philippians 4:6, and Ephesians 6:18. God be your strength and guide in through Jesus Christ or Lord.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I strive to appreciate why you allow challenges to come my way, please help me to trust you in all things. Let me focus on you in times of adversity that I may keep the faith till I finish the race. I always pray for your grace. Amen!!
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