Rising to the Challenge
Everyone likes a good underdog movie. One where someone must rise to a challenge and beat the odds. Much of the movie is usually centered around tragedy, overcoming limitations, and finding the will to push forward despite fear or circumstance. In some ways, we are the main characters in our own underdog story. We are under constant attack, and we cannot overcome without help. We must rise to the challenge with the help of the Lord!
Rising to the challenge means accepting our limitations, relying on the power and might of God, letting go of fear and doubt, and moving forward in faith. By accepting these things, we find strength that we never before thought possible. Strength that displays the work of God in our lives.
Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12, relates his own struggle with difficult circumstances. He states that he had a “thorn in the flesh” and he prayed 3 times for it to be removed. The answer he received was not the one that he expected – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (vs 9) By letting go of the idea that he could be rid of this thorn and embracing that God would carry him through anyway, he found strength and said in vs 10 “I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Life or our physical condition may not be what we expected or desired, but God’s power is not limited.
Jesus teaches us that rising to a challenge can be filled with anxiety but overcome by trust. In Matthew 26:39 he prays concerning His coming death (sacrifice), “let this cup pass from me.” But he also said, “not as I will, but as you will.” Anxiety is not overcome by getting what we want, but by trusting God. We must be people of courage, just as Jesus teaches us to rise to the challenge.
Philippians 4:12-13 states, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” In order to rise to the challenge of our faith and circumstances of life that we face, our strength must come from God. If we try to only rely on self, we will falter. If we rely on God in faith, then we will stand. Paul was not only able, but willing to suffer these things so he could serve God and his brethren.
Some days are more challenging than others. Hiding from the challenges won’t help. Rising to the challenge by embracing our faith and our dependence on God will carry us through. Rise to follow Jesus and face the challenges!