Challenges Birth Maturity! 2

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Life challenges are the test of our faith. They are the tests we must endure and pass to see if we are ready for the greater things that await us. We can choose to embrace it with all our might, or we can let it pass by without giving it a chance. However, remember that choosing to let it pass by without trying our best can rub us the growth and development we desire.

Of course, the battle of life does not belong to you, but you still need to take your place and position yourself to face your challenges. Just as God told Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:17 saying, “You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid, and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow goes out against them, and the Lord will be with you.” In other words, if you want to win the battle of life, you must be ready to face your challenges in a way that is pleasing to God.

James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Therefore, allow steadfastness to finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Life challenges are common, but how you handle them is what matters. We can overcome them by facing our challenges head-on, or we can face them through prayer, meditation, and self-discipline. I believe that there is no better way to deal with the challenges of life than to face them head-on because the challenges you run away from might come back to haunt you if care is not taken. But the one you face will groom you to become better, stronger, and wiser in Jesus’ name.

The challenge you face today will shape your character for the rest of your life. Because God sees your struggles as opportunities to grow and learn, and He is ready to help you. As 1 Peter 5:10 says, “after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” So, when we are faced with a challenge, it’s important to remember that God wants us to be strong and courageous. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “no temptation has overtaken you that is not common to humans. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Prayer:
1. 1 John 4:18; Thank you, Oh Lord, for your perfect love and mercy that cast away all fear in me.
2. Lord, I pray, please help me find the strength and courage to face my fear in Jesus’ name.