How to Overcome ChallengesSample

The word overcome means to succeed in dealing with something — to conquer, defeat, or triumph. We all face many kinds of challenges, and the truth is that there is no way to avoid trials and tribulations. What challenge are you facing today? What are you going through? Is it weakness, unemployment, lack of finances, academic or career stagnation, sickness, or depression? I want to assure you that you are not alone. Everyone faces one challenge or another.

Trials are not an indication that God has abandoned you or that He does not care about you. God knows everything about us, even the things we do not yet understand. He knows exactly what you need at this particular time in your life. One of the ways we overcome challenges is by rejoicing even when there seems to be nothing to be happy about outwardly. Our joy will never be in vain, because the testing of our faith produces perseverance.

James 1:2–4 (NIV) says:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Remember, brothers and sisters, God has a plan for all of us, a purpose. That purpose can only be discovered and fulfilled when we have a relationship with God and work daily to maintain it. The devil wants to steal this grace from us. He knows that when we are separated from our Creator, we become vulnerable and fall easily into sin. The enemy seeks to break our fellowship with God because he knows that the joy of the Lord is our strength.

We should not focus on what we go through, but on how we position our hearts in the midst of challenges. The truth is, we are never alone. This battle is not ours; therefore, we are already victorious.

To succeed when dealing with unfavourable circumstances, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, always, the author and perfecter of our faith. You do not need to come to Him when you are perfect. Even in your weakness, pain, confusion, and when words fail, God can still hear your heart.

You may be wondering what this looks like practically. Often, when something bad happens, for example, when someone loses a job, they stop praying, hoping, and trusting. They begin to complain and allow their feelings to overwhelm them. They may feel that God has abandoned them and begin to question God and even their own existence. They stop praying, going to church, and studying the Word of God. Essentially, they do not get back up.

It is normal to feel hurt or disappointed, but do not remain there forever. What our carnal mind and flesh see is different from what God and faith see, which goes beyond our circumstances and material situations. Feelings may tell you that you are not good enough, that you are a failure, and that things will never improve. But faith reminds us that all things work together for good for those who love Him.

Romans 8:28 NIV “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”