What is about us that we become a bit perturbed when challenges come into our life? Why are we so uneasy or so uncomfortable with challenges? Could it be we do not have the right perspective of challenges? One can handle challenges in one of two ways. The first way is to back down, run away, or even deny the reality of it. The second way is to embrace it, respond to it with enthusiasm, or initiate the challenge yourself. As believers we are to embrace challenges you ask why? Well here are a few reasons why:
- Challenges allow opportunities for us to grow.
- Challenges give us an opportunity to strengthen our faith.
- Challenges give us an opportunity to trust God.
In first century Palestine looking at this idea of challenge from a cultural anthropology perspective (this is for my friend who shall remain nameless) which operated on an honor and shame system. Meaning honor was like our credit rating and no one wanted a bad credit rating. Thusly, if someone challenged you and you loss the challenge it was dishonorable. I said all that to say this the honorable thing to do is respond to the challenges of life whole-heartedly with the assurance that you are not in this thing alone. You have the Holy Spirit, and your brothers and sisters in Christ with you.
Finally, the Scriptures presents believers with a few challenges Jesus before he ascended back to heaven challenged the disciples to go ye therefore and make disciples baptizing them in name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Paul challenged believers to live a life worthy of there calling. The question becomes today how will you respond to the challenges presented to you?
Scripture Reference: Mtthw. 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:1-3
God bless,
Bondservant Hollis
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