TURNING OBSTACLES TO CHALLENGES

Read: Philippians 1:12-26 

Meditation verse: 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4: 13). 

Locked up in a Roman prison and abandoned by friends, Paul had many reasons  to become bitter or give up on life. He chose rather, to see his situation as an  opportunity to accomplish his assignment. Realizing that what he did with his  situation was more important than the situation itself, he preached the gospel  to the palace guards. This led to their conversion and the encouragement of  others who had been afraid to preach the word. 

Albert Ellis was a renowned 20th Century American Psychologist who founded  REBT, a therapy for emotionally disturbed patients. Ellis was the eldest of three  children in a Jewish family. His father was frequently absent, and his mother was  neglectful and unavailable to her children. His parents divorced during his  childhood, and he was sent to school at the age of four. Ellis was expected to  cross busy roads without adult assistance, to get to school. He was seriously ill  for much of his childhood and was hospitalized for long periods with infrequent  parental visits. Ellis responded to this neglect by reframing it as an opportunity  to become independent. He formulated several rules for effective living that  were to act as a guide for him for the remainder of his life. Albert Ellis died at the age of ninety-four years. He left behind a legacy in the form of a world renowned Psychotherapy training institute and a collection of self-help books to  help people get ahead in life despite their challenges.  

Each time I look back at a particularly difficult period in my life, I have seen God’s hand at work in the situation. I have therefore concluded that God works out all things for good. Your challenges can become opportunities for you to  grow, develop character and guide your journey towards greater fulfilment. They can become stepping-stones to your victories. Don’t get consumed by an  abusive or a fruitless marriage, a cheating spouse, death of a loved one, past  failure or other unfortunate circumstance. Look at that obstacle in the face and  be determined to be the better for it. God’s power is available to back you up. Life is not made of straight victories, but of falls, stumbles, mistakes, and bruises.  

In what ways can you turn your biggest challenge(s) into opportunities?

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye

Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest.

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:

Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com. I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.

I look forward to hearing from you.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.