The Challenge is Real
Many people I care about and love are in the midst of significant life challenges! You might be one of those in the midst of a significant challenge. These challenges could be best described as “being in a war.” The challenge never seems to let up. No matter which way you turn, there it is seemingly waiting to torment and therefore, torture you. It is said that when we face challenges of this intensity we come face to face with our true self.
I have to be honest and admit that the intensity of some of the challenges I am seeing go beyond a “problem to be solved.” Truthfully, a problem would be far preferred than a challenge. Problems can often be solved through advanced thinking, surrender and increased support. Challenges seem to dig at our humanity, value system, spirituality, and in some cases, our very existence. They force us to quickly assess our emotional, social, spiritual, and at times, financial resources.
How are we to respond when faced with a challenge(s) of this magnitude?
Whatever threatens our health, well being, family, security, and certainty is a real challenge. When life is at its best the strength of these arenas allow us to LIVE WITH DAILY CONTENTMENT. Once they are threatened then our life feels like it us under attack.
A bad doctors report puts the vision for tomorrow in question.
The loss of a job brings deep uncertainty of how to cover our financial responsibilities.
When one of our children or another loved one is struggling we are often faced with fear about what might happen.
Suffice it to say any of our lives could come under attack at anytime and without warning.
These challenges are REAL. They Require Encouragement And Love. (REAL)
CHALLENGES that shake us at our foundation demand the ASSEMBLING of an ARMY. No one goes to battle intelligently without an army. Armies have one thing they focus on...WINNING THE BATTLE.
We all need an army! A group of people that stand with us, fight for us and, without hesitation, go to war on our behalf.
What troubles me are the battles that people are fighting without their own personal army.
Armies compound courage in one another. BEING IN THE FIGHT WITH SOMEONE ELSE HELPS US TO FIND HOPE, COURAGE, STRENGTH, and FAITH IN THE BATTLE. Some of the challenges we face do not have any quick and certain answers. Maybe, the presence of a challenge forces us to GET OUTSIDE OF OURSELVES and LEAN INTO OTHER SOLDIERS borrowing their strength, hope and courage even if just for a season.
To those of you under attack because of a seemingly insurmountable challenge, I URGE YOU TO ASSEMBLE YOUR ARMY.
Many challenges appear to have no answers even though we chase answers with diligence and often desperation.
THE ARMY IS THE ANSWER!!
Don't go it alone,
Shaun
