Challenges face us within and without. They test our resolve, character, and faith. Will we listen to that negative voice in our heads, as well as the naysayers around us, and retreat? Or will we determinedly go forward into the unknown, knowing that through the power of the Holy Spirit, God will help us step out of our comfort zone? Be amazing and meet the challenge.

Satan would have us look at certain incidents in our life and tell us we can’t win or we can’t meet the challenges set before us. But we, as Christians, know we can do all things through Christ. When I look at others with handicaps they must meet, some lie under a cover and quit, and yet there are others who will not allow anything to stand in their way of meeting life’s challenges ahead, regardless of whatsoever it takes to complete the task.

The scriptures talk to us about being strong and courageous, holding our heads up high, whatever the task. This week, let’s look at some of these.

“Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life” (James 1:12 MSG). “Challenge is a dragon with a gift in its mouth. Tame the dragon and the gift is yours.” (Noela Evans)

“Now’s your opportunity!” David’s men whispered to him. “Today the Lord is telling you, ‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.’” So David crept forward and cut off a piece of the hem of Saul’s robe” (1 Samuel 24:4). Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic to it.

“When Saul and his troops heard the Philistine’s challenge, they were terrified and lost all hope (1 Samuel 17:11). Saul had not God, but David was a man after God’s own heart. When the enemy comes toward us, just lift up the ‘blood stained banner’ and he will be terrified by what God can and will do for His children.

“’Don’t be ridiculous!’ Saul replied. ‘There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth. But David persisted…The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!’” (1 Samuel 17:33, 34 &37). Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, my friend, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.

“Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Don’t you understand that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless, of course, you fail the test” (2 Corinthians 13:5 CEV). It would do us all good to do what the scripture is telling us to do, and see exactly how strong our faith really is.

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity )of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but He has given us a spirit of power and of love and of cal, and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7 AMP). “Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.” (Joseph Campbell)

So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6).

When you meet life’s challenges, read the scriptures and be encouraged.

Until next time, make the most of every opportunity.

From My Heart with Love-Rita