Walking Through Challenges
Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
It would be nice if life were problem-free—if every day were sunny and nothing was hard or hurtful. But that’s not reality. The truth is, we live in a world where beauty and brokenness coexist, and challenges are part of everyone’s story. And when—not if—challenges come, our only and best response is to walk through them courageously and faithfully.
Scripture Speaks to Challenges
Through Scripture we understand that challenges are to be expected (John 16:33), that God is present in them (Psalm 46:1), and that He uses them for our good and His purpose (Romans 8:28). In addition, Scripture teaches us that challenges, also called tests and trials, develop godly character (James 1:2-4) and strengthen faith (Romans 5:3-4). Scripture also assures us that challenges are part of God’s sovereign plan to mold believers into Christlikeness (James 1:2-4; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Even so, challenges are just that—they’re challenging. And this is why we need a perspective shift that empowers us to walk through them.
A Perspective for Challenges
The Bible teaches that challenges are present, not permanent circumstances (2 Corinthians 4:17). This is a truth we need to cling to, rehearse, and remind ourselves and one another of when walking through challenges. While we can’t choose our circumstances, we can choose our thoughts. And when we choose to set our minds on what is good, true, and beautiful (Philippians 4:8), our perspective shifts. This doesn’t erase the sting of challenges, but it does provide hope and confidence to face them courageously and walk through them faithfully.
We Don’t Walk Alone
One of the most beautiful realities of Scripture is this: we are not now, nor will we ever be, left alone, on our own, without support. Jesus, Emmanuel, is “God With Us” at all times, in all places, spaces, and in every season. He is with us when we’re confused, disappointed, hurting, or feeling hopeless and helpless. He is with us when we don’t know how to pray and when we wonder if our prayers are even making a difference. He is with us when we feel like giving up or giving in. He is with us now, and He will be with us always. And nothing—including our challenges—will ever change this truth.
Lean Into Godly Community
We need godly community in our lives at all times, especially when we’re walking through challenges. The enemy is deceptive. He lies to us, saying: You can handle this alone. Don’t share your challenges. Keep them private. Isolate until your circumstances improve. Yet these are outrageous lies that Scripture exposes and corrects. The fact is, we need one another. God created us to depend on Him and to live interdependently with one another. We’re stronger, better, and more effective together than we are apart. By ourselves, we’re lone soldiers on a battlefield. But when we join forces with other believers, we become a mighty army for the Lord.
Final Thoughts
No one welcomes challenges. Still, they are part of every person’s life journey, and faith in Jesus is not an exemption from this reality. One day, challenges, troubles, and trials will cease to exist—what a glorious day that will be. But until that day comes, we will all continue to face challenges. And when we do, we’re called to walk through them faithfully and courageously, not alone, but with God and with other believers beside us. We can do this confidently and even joyfully knowing God has gone before us into our challenges, is with us in our challenges, and will still be with us when our challenge has passed.
Pray
Father God, thank You for being with me at all times. I take courage knowing You are with me in life’s challenges, sovereign over my challenges, and using my challenges for my good and Your purposes. Empower me to walk courageously and faithfully through every challenge I face—not alone, but with You and with the godly community You’ve blessed me with. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Reflect
In what specific ways are you encouraged to walk courageously and faithfully through life’s challenges, knowing God is with you? Who is someone God may be inviting you to share this empowering truth with today?
My friends, your thoughts matter! I’d love to hear from you. Consider sharing your responses in the comment section below!