How Do You View Life Challenges?

In August, we welcomed guest preacher Marty Johnson, whose sermon, “The Gift of Trials,”
encouraged us to let our trials become our teachers. The message was timely for me as I
grappled with changes I had made in my life that were causing significant anxiety and
pressure. He said, “Your perspective has to change so you can see the gift in the trial.
Having the right expectations is critical. The trial is meant to grow us, not destroy us. It has
a gift for you and for others, and it helps you exercise your faith.”

That message changed my attitude and, in turn, my perspective. I began to see my
challenges as opportunities for God to teach me, stretch me, and prepare me to serve His
purposes. These trials are designed for my growth, not my failure. Since embracing that
truth, the Lord has revealed two specific things about me: I complain often, and when
faced with change, I tend to begin from a place of “no.” When I am asked to do something
new or different, my first responses are often, “No,” “I can’t,” or “I don’t want to,” and I can
quickly find legitimate-sounding excuses not to act.

Complaining has become so common for me that it is part of my normal conversation. God
has challenged me to stop and thank Him whenever I begin to complain. This immediately
changes my heart and my attitude. This change helps me stop viewing circumstances only
from my perspective and trying to solve everything in my own strength. Instead, I look to
God, seek to understand what He is doing and where He is leading, and follow Him.

For the past few weeks, when I have been asked to do something new or different, I have
said yes immediately, provided that it is legal and moral. I have stepped outside my comfort
zone and discovered that what I feared was not so frightening after all. When I begin to
complain, I stop and give thanks. Although my circumstances have not changed, life feels
lighter because I am reminded that we often carry far more than God requires of us