Poetic Inspirations and Practical Applications for Blissful Living

Embracing the Challenge

Embracing the Challenge

One of the most powerful methods for purposeful living is embracing each challenge as both blessing and opportunity. Power lies not in simply accepting or resigning to challenges – but in fully and gratefully embracing them.

As we journey upon our purposeful pathways, we discover that challenges and obstacles exist to strengthen us and to mold us more like Christ. If we encounter a pattern of similar trials, we find that it is in this area of challenge that we have not yet yielded fully to God. Our Lord speaks through these challenges and calls us to transform ourselves by abiding in Him. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4) 

God desires to have a relationship with each of one of us, and He desires for us to grow more like Christ. The more faithfully we abide in Christ, the more we live for God’s glory. The more we resemble Christ, the more we live as our authentic selves – selves untainted by the anxieties, the deceptions and the sinfulness of the world.

Trials, therefore, provide incredible opportunity to examine ourselves, to grow more like Christ and to know Him and love Him more deeply. When we yield to God, we are aligned with His Will. His power is able to flow through us and transform us. “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (1 Thessalonians 2:9)

Submitting to God and allowing Him to work in our weakness manifests a compelling testimony to others. The secret is to embrace rather than resist or simply resign to the challenges. For the more you gratefully accept the challenges, the more His power can work through you to fulfill His loving plan.

Walking upon your purposeful pathway today, I encourage you to embrace the obstacles which lie before you. A stronger, more loving, more Christ-like you lies on the other side of the challenge…

© 2011 Caroline Gavin

How will you practice embracing the challenge today?

Leave a Comment

  • Mike Fenton

    A very good thought provoking message on what we all must do… Embrace the Challenge.

    • http://PurposefulPathway.com Caroline Gavin

      Thank you, Mike, for your comment! I am glad you enjoyed the post! Yes, let’s embrace the challenge…

    • http://PurposefulPathway.com/ Caroline Gavin

      Thank you – as ALWAYS – for your encouragement!!
      Such a blessing you are to me, Mike.
      Yes, the challenges may we embrace –
      all, of course, with God’s wondrous grace!

  • http://www.threedimensionalvitality.com/ Ann J Musico

    Powerful and insightful words!  It spoke to me on an especially deep level, Caroline, as there is an issue I am dealing with and finding that fine line between resisting and staying in faith as to outcome yet yielding to Christ is something God is showing me.  Your post was not only confirmation of what He is telling me but encouragement as well!

    • http://PurposefulPathway.com/ Caroline Gavin

      Ann, thank you so very much, sweet sister!

      Praise the LORD that the message spoke to your heart – and in a timely way.

      Isn’t it amazing how God works?
      We are His instruments, and it is humbling to be used for His eternal purposes!

      I am praying for you and your situation, Ann,
      and I thank you for sharing God’s love and light so faithfully.

       A cherished sister in Christ you are!

  • http://www.MarianneClements.org/ Marianne Clements

    Caroline,
    Yes, obstacles are definitely opportunities. Sometimes we need to persevere and overcome the obstacles and sometimes we need to take another path. Taking another path is the hardest thing for me because it seems like failure. I know this is not the case, but it’s often hard to discern whether or not to push through or try something else. Thankfully, God is patient.
    Have a Victorious Day!
    Marianne

    • http://PurposefulPathway.com/ Caroline Gavin

      Thank you for sharing your wisdom, heart and experiences, sweet sister in Christ! I agree: taking another path can be difficult when it seems we have failed. Yet, as you wrote, God is patient. He is faithful to show us when to persevere, when to push forward or when to pursue another path altogether. He is faithful to create triumphs from our trials. May He continue to bless you and your purposeful pathway with joy and victory! Gratefully, Caroline

      • http://www.MarianneClements.org/ Marianne Clements

        Thank you Caroline. Blessings to you too!