Challenges...

Have you ever faced a really difficult challenge?  Life seems to throw them at us on a regular basis, doesn't it???  Challenges are part of this world and can be a test of our strength, a test of our character, or a call that requires full use of our abilities.  

Challenges can be a contest that is fun to engage in, too which is usually a much more welcome challenge!!!

Also, a challenge can be a formal objection to our point of view that demands an answer. Sometimes that answer can be given immediately and sometimes not.  It may be a process to find a solution or a long-term answer that may have many steps to accomplish.  Or, we may pose a challenge to someone else - we object to what is being said, done or in the process of changing something we hold dear.  Perhaps, the challenge requires us thinking about an issue differently so that a resolution can be found.  Perhaps, it requires researching something to come up with a new method or new way of accomplishing a task or project.

Perhaps the challenge is a health challenge - one that requires a huge amount of faith, patience and/or endurance!!!  This kind of challenge requires or demands a lot more of our time and energy!!!

Whatever the challenge is, it does require us to do something different than we ever have in the past.  Many times, the challenge requires us to be brave or daring and even defy the odds!!!  Challenges can cause us to question and/or inquire as to why or how something is done or has always been a certain way in the past.  Challenges can cause us to be motivated to change something we have been needing to address for a long, long time, too!

What was the last challenge you have been faced with?  How did you get through it?  What gave you the strength to make it through?  Who helped you through a difficult time or situation?  Where did you find the answer?

Many times, challenges ask us to apply special or extraordinary effort.  One of my very favorite scriptures is from Philippians 4:13 which says:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Wow..........what a way to face a challenge!!!  As you face the next challenge in your life, I hope you will find this strength surrounding you - it is available for the asking!!!