Have you been faced with challenges in life where you knew what to do to be successful? Sometimes we know how to proceed through tough and harrowing times because of our prior training, skills, and experiences that will most often lead to success. Sometimes, though, we may be blindsided with a challenging event where we feel we’re ill-prepared to navigate towards success. Please read on and review several examples of challenging circumstances that people faced and how they handled them.
I watched marathon runners through the years, and I am amazed at the strength and endurance they demonstrated. When you think of these athletes, they are finely tuned individuals who are well-conditioned for their run. They become well-conditioned through daily workout routines that help them build physical stamina to help them make it to the finish line. Their extensive training and conditioning allow them to prepare psychologically to have the mental toughness to push through the pain they will experience.
In the academic world, someone may achieve success through many hours of reading, studying important materials, and classroom instruction. Throughout an academic semester, students may attain their educational goals by studying and successfully passing their examinations. As students progress through their academic major and complete their study courses, they will hopefully have learned what they will need to know to pass a relevant certification or licensure examination.
We see how an athlete or a student prepares for known challenges in a systematic way that most often helps them to achieve their goal. As I think about life in general, we may not be well trained, prepared, or studied to acquire the skills needed to succeed with the challenges that come our way. Sometimes because we have not been well prepared like the marathon runner or the academic achiever, we may not know what to do and will have to “wing it” and do the best we can and hope for a good outcome. When heading through tough and troubling times, it is easy to feel discouraged and beaten, which makes it tough to move forward in an effort to be victorious over the challenge that faces us!
As you read the Bible, hope through God and His Son, Jesus Christ, is offered through many verses. Please read and be encouraged:
Isaiah 49:25 (NIV): But this is what the Lord says: Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV): Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV): The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Joshua 1:5 (NIV): No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV): Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Hebrews 13:6 (NIV): We say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Romans 8:28 (NIV): And we know if all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.
I am encouraged: After reading and meditating on these Bible verses, I am left with much hope. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I know that God will be with me and never leave me nor forsake me; He will be with me wherever I go; He will strengthen me; He is my helper and will work for my good; He will contend with those who seek to oppose me. As I follow Jesus Christ and carry out the work that has been prepared for me, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (summary Philippians 4:13). There is hope!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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