Life is full of challenges, whether they be of our own making or simply put upon us by the world. At the beginning of each year we worry over New Year’s resolutions and trying to improve ourselves. When we aren’t dealing with these, we only have to worry about feeding our kids and keeping the lights on. Without going too much further down this road of sadness, we want to let you know the Bible has plenty to say about overcoming adversity. From war to persecution to poverty, these Bible verses about challenges show us we are not alone. People have been dealing with situations like our own since the dawn of civilization. We hope you are encouraged when you read these Bible verses about challenges.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?”
Whenever you want to read Bible verses about challenges and how to overcome them, we strongly recommend the psalms. Here we are reminded that God is greater than any issues we may face, so we need to stay devoted to Him.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Sometimes our beliefs and convictions can get us into trouble with the world. We may even have to miss out on opportunities or face judgment from others for what we believe. Know that not only are you in good company when this occurs, but it is actually to be seen as a blessing.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
The secular world has a few sayings similar to this such as “good things come to those who wait.” Romans 8:18 is about 1000x better, however, because it goes so much deeper than that Hallmark sentiment. What we experience here on earth, be it good or bad, cannot possibly be compared to the kingdom of God which is to come.
“‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’”
This is one of our absolute favorite Bible verses about challenges. Jesus is culminating His ministry on earth by predicting His own death and wants His disciples to know that no problem they will face in the future is bigger than Him.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
The challenges we face in life can confuse us and cause us to lose sight of who our true enemy is. Spoiler alert: it’s not your boss, that politician on TV, or the guy who cut you off in traffic. When we misjudge our enemies, challenges only get harder.
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Challenges are draining. Whether you are training for a physical event or simply trying to make it through the day, you will experience fatigue. You can’t simply view God as a spiritual energy drink, but He can sustain you through any trial. No matter what kind of physical shape you are in, you will be better off with God by your side.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
The early Church dealt with persecution in a way that Western folks may not understand today. We can certainly face some level of persecution in our daily lives, but the threat of murder and imprisonment is nowhere near the level of the first century AD. These believers knew the risks, but went ahead anyway because they understood the ways of God are worth more than this world can offer.
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
It’s as simple as this: some fights are not worth fighting. Are you suffering today because some minor issue blew up in your face? We need to avoid pointless conflict and save our strength for the things which matter.
“The Lord is my strength and defense; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.”
A good place to find Bible verses about challenges is the book of Exodus, where the people of God escaped slavery and wandered through the wilderness for more than 40 years. Your first line of defense in any trial or challenge is God. The military may have more tanks and the police may be better with handcuffs, but no one gives you a better chance of survival or victory than the Lord.
“‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-- or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”
Are your challenges self-inflicted? Does fighting one battle make you vulnerable to another? Martha was so busy being a good host that she missed out on learning from Jesus. Here we learn that we often need to simplify our thoughts and prioritize “what is better.”
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
This is the #1 verse for killing stress and anxiety and we can’t help but think it’s due to its brevity. The mental image of tossing all of our worries onto the strong shoulders of Christ is more than a little cathartic. While this may not solve 100% of our challenges, we can attest to its usefulness.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
Like the early Church, King David probably dealt with more adversity than we ever will. Saul wanted to kill him, he had a tough job as a young shepherd, and let’s not forget about that fight with Goliath. So believe Psalm 46 when it sings of David’s struggles and tells us that same power is available to us through the Lord.
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Again we see the revolutionary idea that suffering is the path to glory. We might think the ideal life to be one of privilege or ease, but God has other priorities. Take joy when you sacrifice for the kingdom of God, for it leads to the development of perseverance, character, and hope.
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
Everyone quotes Philippians 4:13, but not always for the right reasons. We can say this is one of the best Bible verses about challenges not because it means God is going to give us what we want, but it shows we can accomplish great things when God is the source of our strength.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight.”
We have a tendency to want to single-handedly battle our way through a fight, nobly solving the problem without anyone’s help. No matter how strong or smart you are, we know you aren’t God. Trust in and submit to Him and you will be better off.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
One of the best Bible verses about challenges comes from the moment Joshua took over from Moses in leading the Israelites to the Promised Land. With enemies bearing down on them and unknown challenges lying ahead, God tells them to be strong and courageous because He will be with them through it all.
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Some challenges are too much for us to bear. When we experience failure or we stumble along the way, it’s easy to lose hope. What God wants us to know, however, is that our inadequacies allow for us to bask in the perfection of our Lord. Appreciate the message being sent when we falter, that our God is there for us when our own strength fails and He isn’t going anywhere.
“Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of His praise be heard; He has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For You, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.”
It’s easy to look at the challenges we face as if they come from evil forces, as they often do. Sometimes we are simply being molded by God in one way or another. Here we see great difficulties referred to in such a tone of gratitude. Imagine the struggles of your day as an exercise which will strengthen your faith and you just might find the strength to push through.
These Bible verses about challenges are a guide to what we can expect from life and how they may affect our faith and families. We hope these verses will help you through each difficulty life brings you.
The Bible is the absolute best resource for going through these trials and facing all life has to offer, but some people find that Christian music and other entertainment can also help. You’ll find just the right song to help you through the day or a movie can give you and your family the perfect night together. The K-LOVE Fan Awards is all about celebrating these and so much more. Join us for the ultimate fan experience as we honor the biggest names in music, film, and more. Find out how by clicking on the link below.
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