“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.

There is no career, marriage or pursuit that is free from challenges. The fact that God led you into your present assignment does not exempt you from challenges of life. But not all obstacles are bad. Challenges are those obstacles you will meet on the road to whatever achievement you desire. Being a Christian does not remove you from the world and its problems; rather it equips you to live in it productively and victoriously; John 16:33.

Growth and success do not eliminate obstacles; they create new ones. Everything depends on you, because God is always working on everyone and walking with us. According to Thomas Carlisle, ‘The block of granite which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak becomes a stepping-stone in the pathway of the strong.’

Challenges bring promotion, it provides an opportunity to grow though it can temporarily detour you. Challenges reveal what we truly believe and who we really are. Challenges could make one doubt the presence or existence of God just as Job’s wife suggested to him. But you have the choice and power to decide on whose side you stand. Obstacles can temporarily detour, but they are not strong enough to stop you.

Fanny Jane Crosby, a legendary hymn writer lost her sight when she was just six weeks old as a result of a doctor’s error in treating her illness. In her state of blindness she wrote more than 8,000 inspiring hymns, one of which is ‘Blessed Assurance’. No matter how cloudy it is when the plane takes off; above the clouds, the sun always shines. Always call back to mind those promises of God for you in moments like this. Do not just look at God through your circumstances; look at your circumstances through God. Remember, if you can just face the music, with God on your side, some day you will lead the band. It is well!

Prophetic prayers

Holy Spirit, influence my perspective and attitude to challenges of life.

Give me courage oh Lord, to face life’s challenges.

Challenges of life shall never cripple me. Let it bring out the best in me.

No challenge of life shall be able to separate me from the love of Christ in Jesus’ name.