Embrace Your Challenges
- Vernita "Neat" Simmons
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. (Romans 8:28, AMP)
Nobody wants challenges; however, sometimes, we do experience them. We even ask God to take those difficulties from our lives. Dear One, what if God is using that challenge for His greater plan and purpose? During one school term as a Substitute Teacher, I worked with the most challenging teacher I had ever encountered. Add to this, she was a racist and had attempted to have me transferred out of her class.
She lied to the principal, claiming I was insubordinate, even though she enforced one set of rules for her staff and a different one for me. Likewise, I had an exceptional rapport with both the principal and the staff in the school district. So, I should have been justified in requesting another assignment, right?
However, instead of making such a request, I stayed because of T-Man, an adorable boy with autism, with whom I was his personal Aide. He captured my heart. The person the director had originally assigned to him felt he was too cuddly, and I saw an opportunity. So, I actually requested the teacher to speak to the Director of Special Education, with whom I already had a rapport. And the director approved me for the assignment.
This decision did not change how the teacher treated me, but I know the Lord had put this in my heart to do. Despite how mean this teacher was, it did not stop me from doing what I absolutely loved, while giving her the utmost respect. T-Man and I developed a remarkable relationship. And he excelled!
Dear One, sometimes, instead of asking God to remove the challenge from your life, classroom, or wherever, God may be using this to grow character and make you an even better version of yourself. You may see the person as the problem, but the issue might be you. Sure, you have skills, and this person may need something you cannot give them. However, God came to seek and save the lost, and He has placed you in the right place at the right time to make a difference in this person’s life. (Luke 19:10, AMP). Dear One, God does not make mistakes, and if He has you two together, or whatever that challenge may be, He has a purpose for it.
Instead of focusing on how uncomfortable your situation is, try to find the good in it. While working with T-Man, his confidence grew; he even found the courage to slide down a sliding board because of my persistence and gentle guidance. I would have him watch me climb up and slide down. Then, one day, we climbed up together and slid down. From that moment, he gained the courage to do it on his own, and I was there waiting for him. Even after not seeing me for over a year, T-Man remembered me and would become so excited.
A few years later, a time came when the Director of Education offered me another assignment with that same teacher. But guess what? I declined her offer. Without going into specific details as to how she had mistreated me, I expressed my gratitude for the offer. Likewise, I informed the director that the teacher and I did not have a good working relationship.
My Friend, stop seeing your challenges as a thorn in your flesh when this is a gift from God. And it is only temporary and not a lifetime sentence. However, if you learn to embrace it, instead of running away from it, accept the opportunity to infect others with the love of God. You are the light of the world, so let it shine right into the life of someone you find challenging. (Matthew 5:14-16)
May this electrifying song, The Battle Is Yours, by Red Rock Worship, stir your heart to see when it looks like you are surrounded and there's no hope, God will fight your battle and bring you out victoriously! Dear One, get ready to embrace your challenge.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE:
TIME FOR REFLECTION: Let us encourage each other. Challenges can help us grow. What challenge have you faced that helped you see it was for your greater good? What type of spiritual growth did you gain from that difficult season? Let's talk about it in the comments below. Hit heart and share this devotional.
Comments