WINNING IN CHALLENGING TIMES

‘But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed’ (2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NIV).

Challenging times are times when we experience difficulties and trials of life. They could be times of economic recession, relationship crises, career stagnancy or financial bankruptcy. Presently, the world is experiencing a global pandemic and several nations of the world are affected. Many people are uncertain about what will happen next. However, tough times are part of life realities; they happen from time to time.

What is required of us in hard times?

DO NOT ESCAPE FROM LIFE’S DEMANDS
When we face hard times, we must try not to escape from the demands of such times. Some people look for an escape route in certain addictions such as excessive alcohol intake, smoking, immoral affairs and drug abuse. However, all these things give momentary succour. Rather than removing the difficulties, they end up compounding the problems. The consequences of such acts eventually drain the essence of life. Don’t look for an escape route. Great men are made in tough times. Face, the challenge, constructively assess the situation, re-strategize and take the necessary actions towards overcoming.

DO NOT EXCUSE YOURSELF FROM LIFE’S RESPONSIBILITIES
When you face tough times, do not excuse yourself from life’s responsibilities. Winston Churchill said, ‘The price of greatness is responsibility.’ Responsibility is acting with ability. During challenging times, do not allow your vision to dim, your focus to be diverted or your energies drained. Don’t get discouraged. Great men are responsible in difficult times. Learn not to give excuses. Excuses become habitual. Ninety five percent of failures come from people who have the habit of giving excuses. Mediocres find reasons why it would not work; great men see their obstacles as opportunities. Men of excellence see the end in view but mediocres see setbacks. Someone said, ‘Excuses are nails used to build the house of failures.’ Excuses cause handicaps and create hopelessness. Don’t excuse yourself out of your destiny; rise up to responsibility.
I want to encourage you to rise up with faith in your heart to face life’s challenges. We can overcome every challenge when we put our faith in God and act on the situations.

I pray that you will be strengthened to attend to your responsibilities in Jesus name.