Life is full of challenges and sometimes we will meet those challenges successfully. Sometimes they can block our way and it may become one of those costly “learning experiences” that adults (our parents) are always talking to us about.
Many challenges start when we are in school. These challenges can be our own, or they can be challenges that are out of our control and make it difficult to want to go to school.
- Adjusting to a new school
- Classes we don’t want to take
- Making friends – We pray for our children that they will pick their friends wisely
- Peer pressure can be positive or negative
- Attitudes of others
Adolescence is all about changes, what do those changes look like?
- Physical,
- Mental,
- Emotional,
- Social,
- Sexual, and
- Spiritual
Challenges In The Adolescent Years
The adolescent years should be full of joy instead of condemnation.
Because of all these challenges, parents need to be able to support their child(ren) while at the same time allowing them to take on more responsibility.
Our children need guidance but, they must also make their own decisions. Sometimes those decisions will have consequences because of their behavior.
When a child(ren) starts to distance themselves from the parent. We must learn how to keep the lines of communication open so they can come to you for support and encouragement.
Wrestling With The Past
Understanding what it means to be “wrestling with the past is important. ”Forgetting what is behind, us means we no longer allow the past to affect us in moving forward.
Self-worth
Where are you able to find joy or self-worth in your spiritual life;
- Family – raise a child(ren) in a family with morals, and
- Faith – we must accept Christ in our life
Achievements
In what ways are you able to build upon your achievements?
- volunteering,
- having success in a ministry,
- obtain knowledge from the bible, and
- overcome sin.
Sometimes we look to our past successes as a source of happiness and a way to feel good about ourselves. Instead of being thankful for how the Lord has helped us and worked through us, we begin to look for joy and self-worth in what we have done or where we have come from.
Offender
Have you forgiven your offender?
…met God out looking for them!” God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!
If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.
He heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds.
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.
He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum.
But the fact is, it was our pains he carried – our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought he brought it on himself, that God was punishing him for his own failures.
But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him – our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed.
The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace – a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies – and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness” planted by God to display his glory.
I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God.
He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good – tears gone, crying gone, pain gone – all the first order of things gone.”
The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down – each word dependable and accurate.”
Challenges
It is impossible to go through life without being hurt in some way by the choices and actions of others.
Sometimes the pain we feel from past events can linger into the present, affecting the way we feel about ourselves, others, and the Lord.
Mistake Challenges
Sometimes it seems like we will never live down the mistakes of our past. Our sins seem too large or we think we have exhausted God’s forgiveness. Because of the past, we see ourselves as failures, unworthy of grace.
Covered
Covered throughout my life. God leads, directs, guides, provides, and covers all the bases in our lives. Covers your past, present, and future, He covers your past with forgiveness and healing. God covers your present with grace and God covers your future with promise and provision.
Throughout the Bible, we read about how God continuously covers his children when we follow his will, word, and way. The way God implements covering for us is remarkable.
God deserves all the glory and praise for creating us and covering each area of our lives, no matter how big or how small you perceive your issues to be. God covers all!
When you face any situation that seems hopeless remember that God covered your bases before you were born.
God has covered you and is taking you through the journey of life that he predestined for you with every tool you need for success.
Don’t worry, Don’t fret, when you feel discouraged remember God has not only covered you with promise and provision but he has also covered you with encouragement and love by and through his word!
Praise the LORD for covering your bases!
Days may appear mundane or difficult in your life but be mindful that God has covered your bases. He’s got it all under control and is working everything out for your good.
Your situation is not a surprise; God comes through in covering you!
