Why we have challenges 

Memory Verse: Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need – Heb. 4:16 (NIV)

Spiritual Emphasis: Challenges are inevitable part of life, serving to build Christian character, deepen faith, drawing us closer to God, teach dependence, and proving His strength in weakness. To handle them, we must pray, trust God’s provision, rely on His strength, persevere, and maintain spiritual discipline as well as focus on Him.

Text: Hebrews 12: 1-3

Why we have challenges

• Spiritual Growth: Trials build perseverance, test faith and character, leading to spiritual maturity – James 1:2-4; Rom. 5:3-5.

• Dependence on God: Challenges humbles us and teaches us to rely on God’s strength, not our own – Prov. 3:5-6; Psalm 55:22.

• God’s Purpose: God uses difficulties for His glory, to strengthen us, and reveal His faithfulness – Eph. 6:12; Psalm 32:8; Rom. 8:28; Jer. 29:11.

• Testing & Refining: Challenges test our faith, showing us where we need His power, for more resilient faith – 2 Cor. 12:9; 1 Peter 1:6-7.

• Part of a fallen world: Jesus warned that “in the world you will have tribulation,” but encouraged believers to have peace because He has overcome the world – John 16:33.

Questions:  What does a believer need to do to be ready and alert so as to be able to weather all storms of life? 

Conclusion – Challenges reveals God’s glory; stand strong in His sufficient grace. Shalom!

Self-Study: Prov. 3:6; Heb. 10:36; 1 John 1:9; Rev. 3:20; Eph. 2:8-9; 1 Cor. 10:13; Rom. 8:11; Heb. 4:14-15; Rom. 5:3,5; Ps. 119:133; Zech. 9:9; Luke 1:37; John 1:5; John 16:33; Rom. 12:21; 1 Cor. 15:57; 1 Tim. 6:12; James 1:2-8; Rev. 3:5; Ps. 23.