Life Challenges

Life Challenges – No Control
All of us experience major and minor life challenges. How we handle these struggles on a daily basis determines our physical, as well as our mental well-being. It takes only a single event to convince us we have no control over our circumstances. Sometimes these challenges consume us with guilt, panic attacks, or chronic fatigue. Our problems pressure us from every side, threatening to crush or break us.

Surprisingly, all life challenges have a direct relationship in defining our purpose in life. If only we could find assurance that there was a plan or reason for the difficulties we face. We search for meaning in tragedy, questioning our reason for hope or a future. “Why me God? How can I ever forgive? I hate my life! How do I stop the pain?”

Life Challenges – Out of Control
Life challenges enable us to see ourselves at our best and our worst. We may attempt to temporarily escape our circumstances, falling into alcohol addiction or drug addiction. Others find themselves overwhelmed, careening out of control -- even contemplating how to commit suicide.

My alcoholic grandfather took his own life, leaving my father bitter. My mother and I became victims of emotional and verbal abuse, I struggled with self worth. In time I found a way to guard my heart and mind. I discovered peace and joy by using words to bring hope and healing to others, not as verbal weapons.

A dear friend, Lynn, recalled thoughts of driving her car off a cliff. When the rear view mirror revealed her two small children sleeping in the back seat, she brought the car back under control. “My children trusted their mother and rested peacefully even though death threatened to destroy their lives. Their hearts were not troubled and they never were fearful.” After seeking Christian family counseling, Lynn realized that she could overcome fear, by receiving God’s gifts of power, love, and self-discipline.

Life Challenges – Beyond Your Control
We face our greatest life challenges when we struggle to find love, security, and assurance that life truly has meaning. Our fears, unhealthy behaviors, and excessive emotional struggles result from our inability to interpret and correctly cope with our circumstances and feelings. Whether wrestling with chronic pain, forgiving infidelity, or trying to conceive, it is possible to move beyond that place of hopelessness.

When we develop a personal relationship with the One who created us, we discover how God wants us to respond in any given situation. In 2005 I received cancer treatment for a tumor on my optic nerve. Two years later I was informed that I might still go blind or lose my eye from the radiation. If you are facing difficult decision, trust Him to provide the comfort, strength, and wisdom you need in order to continue toward your goal (Isaiah 43:1-2). By placing our faith in God, we take our hands off our problems. “I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold” (Psalm 18:1-2). God gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, to reach beyond time, life’s challenges, and even death to save us.