In his biography, Henry Ford writes of two things he learned early in life. Firstly, he said that when he was very young, his mother taught him that life would present many opportunities, but it would take self-discipline, courage, and perseverance to make those opportunities into something tangible.
The second principle he was taught was: A person who says “I can’t” or “I don’t want to” will never get anywhere.
Ford and many others like him knew that God opens doors for us to venture through. The problem is these doors of opportunity often come disguised as problems or difficulties. They draw on our energy, our time, and our finances.
But facing challenges doesn’t mean it’s not God leading us, and the key to overcoming often rests in our attitude and beliefs about God and ourselves.
The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 16:9, “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries”. Paul knew what it was to experience challenges but he was determined and because he wasn't fazed by problems he went on to fulfill that which God had called him to. At the end of his life he was able to say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." (2 Timothy 4:7 NLT)
When Jesus set out toward Jerusalem to fulfill his purpose, he would have known what was ahead. He faced beatings, torture, and eventually crucifixion upon the Cross.
Yet, despite these things, Jesus also knew it was an opportunity to bring salvation, forgiveness, and healing to all. He saw the victory on the other side of the Cross in his resurrection, triumph over evil, and restoration of the relationship between humanity and heaven. “For the joy set before him, he endured the cross.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Every day we can choose to step up and become all God has made us to be. There will be challenges, but Jesus says to take courage because “Greater is He that is in you, then he that is in the world”. (1 John 4:4)
Some keys I’ve discovered to facing and overcoming challenges are to:
· Commit to growing in your relationship with Jesus.
· Build a solid prayer life –simply talking and listening to Jesus.
· Be a reader and doer of God’s word. Don’t just read it, but follow its wisdom and instruction.
· When you wake up each morning, seek Jesus first and ask what He would have you do today… and then do it!.
You are an overcomer. You can do everything through Jesus, who gives you strength and become all He made you to be – no matter how impossible it looks.
I also encourage you to work to change the narrative in your head from “I can’t” to “I know God has a way, and I’m going to look to Him to reveal it and then commit to it”.
When you determine to do and be that person, you’ll position yourself to also be able to say like Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful".
Prayer: Lord, thank you that I am an overcomer and that you have a plan and a purpose for my life. Please help me to be sensitive to your leadership and determined in my focus so that I can follow you today. In Jesus name Amen.