Resisting Stress: God Empowers - Part 3

What's the greatest challenge you've had to face? For some people a challenge is welcomed. Challenge suggests that  a possibility for change exists. For others, challenge staves off boredom and stress, which is similar to pressure you feel when overloaded with too much to do and not enough time to get it done.

To feel challenged is an invitation to test your competence. Challenge demands engagement outside of what's commonplace. I'm not referring to extreme risk-taking, but being pushed to use your mental, physical, and spiritual capacity to do what's within your integrity and skills to do. Integrity implies strength of character to handle stress effectively.

Hardiness of character does not imply the absence of weakness, but rather the willingness to face challenges made possible by faith that comes as a gift from the Lord God. True disciples of Christ have weaknesses, but they know their purpose is to engage the world as a witness for Christ Jesus. This confidence provides strength to contend with the stress they're sure to encounter. 

Change, Challenge, and Convictions of Steel - Part 2

People who are able to endure life's hardships tend to view change as a challenge rather than a tragedy. These people believe change is imminent.  For others, change must come at a deliberate pace to activate coping skills and keep change within acceptable boundaries. For some, change is seen as a challenge to explore new frontiers.

Loss of employment can be seen as an opportunity to find a job that's more compatible with one's personality and skills. Or consider the elderly couple who must sell their home because upkeep is too difficult. While this may create grief and anxiety, moving to assisted living can instill feelings of relief and security.

It's imperative to believe that God will help you face troubles and resolve any issue. The Holy Spirit's job is to put steel in your convictions as you submit to him. God gives you faith that becomes unshakable. Hardiness of character, a blessing from God, enables you to view change as a challenge rather than a tragedy. 

Redeeming Bad Choices - Part 3

If we had a choice, most of us would choose life without hardships and glitches.  When we're honest, we have to admit that troubles derive from our bad choices.  Not that we seek trouble, but we make poor choices that yield painful consequences.  Perhaps you've heard, "Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad choices."

Experiencing bad choices is often necessary for personal change and growth.  A crossroad can be paved with trouble, heartache, pain, and suffering.  The narrowness of the passage is significant since we cannot escape making necessary changes.  There are times when we need to be made aware of what we've allowed our lives to become.

However not all crossroad experiences result in pain and suffering.  A  crossroad can lead to our finest hour, indicating we made good choices.  This turn in the road can lead to new discoveries that produce strength for living. God's word points out that we cannot imagine what great things God has in store for those who love him!  Isn't that exciting?