Created to Endure Challenges

  “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light a...

 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 

2 Corinthians 4:16-1

What do we mean by challenges?

Life is most of the time full of ups and downs. One inevitably will be faced with moments in life that seriously challenge him/her. These dark moments can leave one feeling frustrated, scared, broken and might even start to lose faith in God. 

Overcoming Challenges

-Replace Fear with God’s love 

Sometimes, the key to overcoming our problems is through replacing negative emotions with God’s love, 2 Tim1:7, Rom 8:15. Isaiah 41:13, For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ 

-Trust in God’s Plan

We have to fully believe that God is in control and that He has a great plan for our life. God’s plan may seem confusing, unconventional, or mysterious at times, and especially when you are facing difficulty. Jeremiah 29:11 Psalm 56:3 “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You”. 

-Focus on God’s Power

Regardless of how big the problem may feel, or how impossible it may seem for it to get better, know that nothing is too difficult for God to handle. Jeremiah 32:27 states “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Matthew 28:18 

-Know and Understand your God-given Identity

A Christian must know that he/she is a part of Christ- Gen 1:27, Psalm 139:14. The enemy does not want us to discover or understand who we are in Christ, and will try to take away our spiritual identity.

-Surround Yourself with other children of God

Spending too much time away from the presence of God can expose us to the enemy and weaken our spiritual walls. One great way to overcome this is by spending more time with the things of the Lord and with your fellow Christians- Hebrew 10:25. Remember, iron sharpens iron.

-Read Your Bible 

Hebrews 4:12 states: “His word is alive and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, able to pierce to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow and even able to judge the thoughts and the intentions of the heart.” God’s Word is incredibly powerful and holds the key to many of our problems. 

-Pray Regularly

Prayer is the best way to communicate one-on-one with God. Prayer helps us to build a solid relationship with Christ, which increases our ability to trust in Him and feel confident about His plan for us. 

Summary

God is always right beside us walking us through each step. He has the ability, power, and strength to help us overcome any obstacle in life. God wants you to be successful and triumphant and has a great plan for our life. All we have to do is put your trust in Him. If you do, you won't ever feel alone.

 

PRAYER POINTS 

1. Lord, I thank You for Your faithfulness because there is no temptation or challenge that can overtake me. Thank You for making a way of escape through Jesus Christ in Jesus’ name(1 Corinthians 10:13).

2. Thank You Lord for being my refuge and strength in time of trouble and challenges in Jesus’ name (Psalm 46:1).

3. Lord, forgive me in every area that I have not endured challenges enough in Jesus’ name.

4. Lord Jesus, whenever I face trials and challenges, help me to consider it all joy in Jesus’ name (James 1:2-3).

5. Lord Jesus, build my faith so strong that I can stand up to any challenge in my life with great confidence in Jesus’ name.

6. Lord, help me to turn my attention to You totally rather than unto my challenges in Jesus’ name.

7. Lord, empower me to endure any challenge and show me the way of escape in Jesus’ name.

8. Lord Jesus, help me to remain strong during trials and challenges and let me keep my faith unto the end. Anoint me with oil of joy for mourning, garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness in Jesus’ name (Isaiah 61:3).

9. Lord, when trials and challenges come, help me to respond positively so that devil can be ashamed, and Your name can be glorified in Jesus’ name.

10. Lord, I pray that I will not lose heart, as I endure any challenge, I will stand strong in faith and press on for the upward call of God in Christ in Jesus’ name (2 Corinthians4:16-18).

11. Father Lord, help me to walk worthy and fully pleasing You, grant me the grace to always give You thanks with all patience and long suffering in Jesus’ name (Colossians 1:11-12).

12. O Lord, establish me in my walk with You, let men see Your good works in my life and glorify You in Jesus’ name(Hebrews 10:23).

13. O God of peace, give me peace in all areas of life, in Jesus’ name.

14. O Lord, perfect what is lacking in my life, let Your strength be continually made manifest in my weaknesses, boost my energy to run the race set before me to the end in Jesus’ name (Hebrews 12:1-2).

15. Thank You for answering all our prayers in Jesus’ name (1 John 5:14).