Category Archives: Challenges & Difficulty

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June 7, 2013

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Challenges & Difficulty, Salvation: A New You

CHARACTER BUILDING

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they can help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. [Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)]

Lord, forgive me, but could we have a little less character building today? I know you love me and that in every trial there is a lesson to be learned, but sometimes it all seems a little overwhelming. Remind me that life without a few hardships, complications, and struggles would be rather boring. Give me a thankful heart for every difficulty and challenge; may your Holy Spirit fill my heart with confidence and strength.

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June 6, 2013

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Challenges & Difficulty

LIKE A STABLE, LIFE CAN GET MESSY

Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest. [Proverbs 14:4 (NLT)]

Lord, sometimes life is messy and demanding; it gets pretty chaotic and challenging. You never promised us that it would be easy or that we wouldn’t have to work hard. Help us find joy not only in the blessings of our lives, but also in the labor and mess that go along with having those blessings.

Just remember, every flower that ever bloomed had to go through a whole lot of dirt to get there! [Barbara Johnson]

 

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April 9, 2013

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Bible Stories, Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, Trusting God

WE CAN KILL GIANTS!

And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us! [1 Samuel 17:47 (NLT)]

These were the words of a young shepherd boy, armed only with a stick, a sling and five stones. They were said to a nine-foot tall giant, wearing 125 pounds of armor and armed with a huge spear. The boy, however, knew he had a secret weapon: the power of God!

Oh Lord, show us how to be like David. Give us both faith in you and confidence in our ability to meet whatever challenge you present. May we never cower in the face of what seem to be overpowering obstacles. What giants do you want me to slay today?

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April 1, 2013

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Challenges & Difficulty, Prayer, Thanks & Praise, Wisdom & Guidance

TELL GOD WHAT YOU NEED

Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. [Philippians 4:6 (NLT)]

O Lord, it is so easy to tell you what I want, which often is not what I need. And it is so difficult to thank you for your response when you give me what I need instead of what I want. When you send me challenges, I rarely appreciate them and certainly don’t thank you for them when they arrive. Yet, those challenges are exactly what are necessary for my growth.

Teach me, Lord. Show me how to ask for what I need and give me a thankful heart for what I get.

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March 27, 2013

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Challenges & Difficulty, Thanks & Praise

THANKS FOR ALL

Give thanks in all circumstances. [1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)]

When life challenges us, it helps to remember that either God sent it or allowed it! Life’s trials aren’t punishment, they are lessons. Each experience can transform us to be wiser, stronger, and more prepared for the next challenge (if we let it). So, we give thanks in all circumstances…even those we don’t particularly enjoy!

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March 27, 2013

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Challenges & Difficulty, Fear & Doubt, Thanks & Praise

THE LORD IS MY HELPER

So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” [Hebrews 13:6 (NLT)]

Thank you, God, for the trials and adversities in our lives. Help us to celebrate them and not cower in the face of them. Let us rejoice in their challenges and in the knowledge that we are not alone. You, Lord, are with us so there is nothing to fear. Our God is greater than all of our problems!

Anything that makes us cry out to God can be counted as a blessing! [Mary Southerland]