No one is unaware of the word “challenge”. The dictionary gives synonyms of challenges as a dispute, question, threat, test, etc. Everyone faces challenges but responds differently. Responses to challenges are critical, not the size or depth of challenges. No one can escape challenges, instead must accept and deal with it.
For a child of God, the Bible strongly recommends a powerful standard of how to respond when they face challenges. Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calms you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” (John 14:27 AMP).
Many times, believers would react to challenges just like the worldly people; instead, respond as per God’s standards. The above verse clearly assures that God’s perfect peace gives courage and strength for every challenge. For believers, knowing who they are in Christ makes them settle down within themselves and accept challenges in life. Knowing one’s identity is all about self-image. Identity is the way one defines self. It includes values, beliefs, and personality. Identity-crisis is a sense of insecurity. Once insecurity arises in one’s mind, it is difficult to face challenges. Knowing and accepting the truth that you are a child of God, you are an heir and co-heir with Christ, you are more than a conqueror, you are the righteousness of God, and you can do all things through Christ Jesus, will make you secure in Christ.
Competitiveness and comparison are two enemies of one’s self-image. Acknowledging the uniqueness of self- image breaks insecurities and helps to face any challenge. Bible emphasis, “Do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” (Romans 12:2AMP).
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