It Is Not Beyond Your Reach!

“Challenges are what makes life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” – Joshua J. Marine

Based on one's perspective, challenges can be devastating or rewarding.  I read an article by Erin Evans.  She stated, Quote…"you might never equate your challenges as being something interesting, and for someone to say that they are that, can almost be an insult depending on what you are dealing with. However, overcoming our challenges does truly make life more meaningful. We become textured and resilient; we have great perspective about what’s truly important in life."

Both quotes got me to thinking.  I began to recall people making statements such as… "I can't do this!"  "Life is just too hard!"  Or maybe you have heard someone say, “I didn’t sign up for this!” or "Awe, heck nah!"  Over the years I have heard similar statements repeated by people from all walks of life; including myself!  Then I read a passage of scripture in my morning devotions. 

Deuteronomy 30:11,14 says this, "V11 This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach. V14 No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it."  (NLT)

In chapter 29 thru 30 of the book of Deuteronomy, God is speaking through Moses to the children of Israel.  He calls an assembly of the people to remind them of how he has led them 40 years in the wilderness.  Their clothes didn’t wear out; they had plenty to eat; sickness was not a part of their journey and they defeated kings when they came up against them and more! The Lord made them His people and kept the promises he made to their forefathers! 

In other words… God was saying, there is nothing that I can't do!  And because you are my people,  I will never leave you nor forsake you!  But you have a choice to make and I want you to choose wisely!

The children of Israel were faced with many tests and trials for generations and given the news that there will be more to come!  They were about to receive valuable information on how to face the upcoming challenges and that there is grace and mercy that only God can provide! 

Are there any hard choices you are confronted with today? 

If it matters to you, know it matters to God!  Spend time in prayer seeking direction for your life; because challenges are a part of life!  Challenges remind you that you are strong and capable!  They help to sharpen focus and pin point what matters most to you.  Challenges also make way for you to learn from life's experiences, failures and successes! These opportunities help to cultivate a heart of gratitude as well.  So, ask God about any challenge you face, big or small.  Seek Him and He will be found by you! 

The same challenges the children of Israels faced, howbeit, with some differences, we face today!  But what is exactly the same as in the days of the multitude Moses led are 'opportunity, comprehension and choice.

So I agree with Marine's statement.  Challenges do make life interesting because by overcoming them, they bring meaning and perspective to our lives!

Opportunity:   Today!   "If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world.  You will experience all these blessing if you obey the Lord your God:" Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (NLT)

Comprehension:  "This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, and it is not beyond your reach....No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you CAN obey it."  Deuteronomy 30:11,14 (NLT)

Choice:  "You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him.  This is the key to your life.  And if you love and obey the Lord you will live long int eh land the Lord swore to give your ancestors,…"  Deuteronomy 30:20 (NLT)

Wow!  What a wonderful and powerful promise God has made to His people which includes you and I! 

Courageously face the challenges that come your way!  Your success and trust in God is backed by His promise! 

Be blessed,

Dee Davis