Question 1

Why does God allow challenges in my life?

Accepted Answer

James 1:2-4Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.Just as it takes the rough surface of a file to sharpen and smooth the blade of a knife, so it takes rough times to sharpen you into the kind of person that God can effectively use. Any challenge is a tool God can use to help you grow in wisdom and maturity. As you endure these challenges, you gain more and more courage to face whatever comes your way.

Question 2

What are some of the ways God challenges me?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 6:5“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”John 14:15“If you love me, obey my commandments.”2 Timothy 3:16-17All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.God challenges you through his Word. As you develop a relationship with him, he challenges you to love and obedience.Mark 10:21Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”God challenges you to examine your heart and make sure he has first place in your life.Proverbs 27:17As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.God challenges you through your believing friends.John 15:12“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”God challenges you to love others as much as he does.

Question 3

How should challenges shape my life?

Accepted Answer

Romans 15:20-22My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard. . . . I have been following the plan spoken of in the Scriptures, where it says, “Those who have never been told about him will see, and those who have never heard of him will understand.” In fact, my visit to you has been delayed so long because I have been preaching in these places.Paul’s vision to preach the gospel in new places grew from challenging passages he read in the Scriptures, and this continually drove him greater growth in his relationship with God. God has called you to do something for him. Find out what it is and accept the challenge of stepping out to do it.2 Corinthians 11:26I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.Facing dangers of various sorts is part of the challenge of serving God in all things. You may not face physical danger, but you may face danger to your reputation, your job, even some of your relationships. These challenges allow you to reveal God’s mercy and power to others, teach you to develop endurance, and better exercise the gifts God has given you.

Question 4

Are some of the challenges I am facing too small for God to care?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 37:5Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.Luke 12:6-7“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”Nothing is too small for God. He cares about you so much that he knows how many hairs are on your head, and surely he cares about every challenge you face.

Question 5

How should I react when others challenge me?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 15:31-32If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.Galatians 2:11When Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong.When someone challenges sin in your life, you must humbly look inside yourself to determine whether or not the criticism is valid. Then, be grateful to those who challenge you to live a godly life.1 Peter 2:23He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.Do not get defensive or lash back. If the criticism is unjust, don’t seek revenge.

Question 6

How can I challenge others in a way that’s beneficial?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 31:24So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!1 Corinthians 16:13Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.Ephesians 6:10A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.Colossians 3:16Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.Hebrews 10:24Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.Encourage others to be strong in their obedience to God and to never lose hope in God’s promises. Challenge them to praise God and be thankful, to love others, and to do good.Leviticus 19:17“Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin.”Luke 17:3“If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.”2 Thessalonians 3:14-15Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister.Titus 2:15You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.Titus 3:10If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.Speak up when you are convinced someone is teaching wrong doctrine or if a believer is modeling a sinful lifestyle or causing divisions in the church.1 Thessalonians 5:14Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.Challenge others by speaking in ways that will build them up and help them grow.2 Timothy 2:25Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.Titus 1:9He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.If your beliefs are challenged by false teaching, remain strong in your commitment to God’s Word. Hold fast to the truth, and keep teaching it to others. Your gentle, but firm, teaching of the truth can pave the way for God to change hearts.

Question 7

What are some of life’s greatest challenges?

Accepted Answer

Romans 7:15-21I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. . . . I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.The struggle of wanting to do what is right but failing to do it is a frustrating, lifelong challenge. In this life, the struggle against your own sinful impulses will be among your greatest challenges.Psalm 40:12Troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.Facing sin and guilt can be among our biggest challenges. Humbly accepting responsibility and consequences is not easy, but it is the right thing to do.2 Corinthians 4:11Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies.Facing persecution for your faith, whether physical, as in this verse, or social, as is often the case, is a painful challenge that tests our priorities. Cling to the Lord!Proverbs 1:10, 15My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! . . . My child, don’t go along with them! Stay far away from their paths.2 Corinthians 13:8We cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth.One of life’s greatest challenges is to do right in the face of temptation—especially when it is personal friends or acquaintances who might entice you to sin.1 Chronicles 28:20Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.”The enormous size of a particular job, ministry, or responsibility can cause you to feel that the challenge is too great to handle.

Question 8

How do I find the strength to face life’s challenges?

Accepted Answer

Joshua 1:7Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.1 Chronicles 28:20“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.”Instead of being discouraged by the size of the task, be encouraged by the limitless power of God.Hebrews 6:18So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.The strength to handle challenges comes from God, for he is all-powerful. Therefore, you must stay close to him through Bible study and prayer, never doubting his promises to help and strengthen you. When you face opposition, always stand your ground on the truth of God’s Word. When you do, you cannot be shaken.John 16:33“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”Jesus has already walked this path before you. He knows that this world is full of challenges, but you can find strength to face them knowing that he has already overcome.

Question 9

How can I have hope for the challenges I face?

Accepted Answer

1 Corinthians 10:13The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.Hebrews 4:15This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.James 1:13Remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.You can have hope as you face the challenge of temptation. Know that God is on your side. He never tempts you to do wrong. He will not only provide a way for you to do right, he has also provided Jesus, who understands your weaknesses and temptations. Temptations come from evil sources. Victory over temptation comes from God.Psalm 27:14Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.Psalm 61:1-2O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety,Psalm 91:5Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.Proverbs 11:8The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.Romans 8:35, 37Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? . . . No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.2 Corinthians 1:8-10We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.Ephesians 3:20Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.You can have hope because when your troubles keep coming at you, God is right there with you. Don’t give up on him, for he is the only One who can ultimately give you rest from all your hurt and pain. He will hear your prayer for help.

Question 10

How do I find strength to face big challenges?

Accepted Answer

1 Samuel 17:41-47Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods. “Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” Goliath yelled. David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you. . . . everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!”2 Samuel 22:30“In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.”David kept his eyes on God’s promise instead of on his opponent’s power. You must maintain faith and hope when all others are intimidated by the challenges.1 Chronicles 28:20“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.”Have faith in God’s call and his providence. When God calls, God provides. Focus not on the size of the task but on the size of your God who will never fail.Psalm 31:24So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!1 Corinthians 16:13Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.Ephesians 6:10A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.Encourage yourself and others to be strong because of Christ’s power within you. Maintain your hope in God’s promises and power.

Question 11

What do I need to know about challenges and risks?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 91:5Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.Proverbs 11:8The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.Proverbs 14:16The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.Proverbs 22:3A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.Ecclesiastes 10:9When you work in a quarry, stones might fall and crush you. When you chop wood, there is danger with each stroke of your ax.Romans 8:35Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?Understand that growth and success occur at the edge of risk. This does not excuse taking foolish chances, but it does mean that you can call upon God when you are put in a hard place. Whatever the degree of risk, trust in God and his love for you.

Question 12

Can God’s sovereignty be successfully challenged?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 4:39“So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other.”Job 9:4, 12, 19“For God is so wise and so mighty. Who has ever challenged him successfully? . . . If he snatches someone in death, who can stop him? Who dares to ask, ‘What are you doing?’ . . . If it’s a question of strength, he’s the strong one. If it’s a matter of justice, who dares to summon him to court?”Isaiah 14:27“The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has spoken—who can change his plans? When his hand is raised, who can stop him?”Isaiah 43:13“From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.”Isaiah 45:9-11“What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’ How terrible it would be if a newborn baby said to its father, ‘Why was I born?’ or if it said to its mother, ‘Why did you make me this way?’” This is what the Lord says—the Holy One of Israel and your Creator: “Do you question what I do for my children? Do you give me orders about the work of my hands?”Jeremiah 18:6“O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.”Jeremiah 50:44“I will chase Babylon from its land, and I will appoint the leader of my choice. For who is like me, and who can challenge me? What ruler can oppose my will?”Daniel 4:35“All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’”2 Chronicles 20:6He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!”God is unquestionably the one and only true God. He alone has supreme authority over everyone and everything. Since this is an unquestionable truth, why do people try to question it?

Challenges