Challengers & Reformers:
We have Visions and Dreams
Challenges by Humans
How can people challenge one another?
Bible reading: Nehemiah 2:11–20 ( OT)
key bible verse: I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Good! Let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work. (Nehemiah 2:18)
We can challenge others by sharing our vision. Spiritual renewal often starts with one person’s vision. Nehemiah had a vision, and he shared it with enthusiasm, inspiring Jerusalem’s leaders to rebuild the walls.
We frequently underestimate people and don’t challenge them with our dreams for God’s work in the world. When God plants an idea in your mind to accomplish something for him, share it with others and trust the Holy Spirit to impress them with similar thoughts. Don’t regard yourself as the only one through whom God is working. Often, God uses one person to express the vision and others to turn it into reality. When you encourage and inspire others, you implement teamwork to accomplish God’s goals.
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Bible reading: 2 Peter 3:1–18 (NT)
key bible verse: Grow in the special favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be all glory and honor, both now and forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)
We can expect the world to challenge our faith. Peter concludes this brief letter as he begins by urging his readers to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—to get to know him better and better. This is the most crucial step in refuting false teachers. No matter where we are in our spiritual journey or how mature we are in our faith, the sinful world will constantly challenge our faith. We still have much room for growth. If we find some way to draw closer to Christ every day, we will be prepared to stand for truth in all circumstances.
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► Challenges by God
In what ways does God challenge us?
Bible reading: John 8:31–47 (NT)
key bible verse: Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? (John 8:46)
We are challenged to “test” Jesus. In several places, Jesus intentionally challenged his listeners to test him. He welcomed those who wanted to question his claims and character as long as they were willing to follow through on their discoveries. Jesus’ challenge clarifies the two most frequent reasons that people miss encountering him: (1) they never accept his challenge to test him, or (2) they test him but are not willing to believe what they discover. Have you made either of those mistakes?
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Bible reading: Joshua 1:1–9 (OT)
key bible verse: No one can stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. (Joshua 1:5)
God challenges us to let him help us with our challenges. Joshua’s new job consisted of leading more than 2 million people into a strange new land and conquering it. What a challenge—even for a man of Joshua’s calibre! Every new job is a challenge. Without God, it can be frightening. With God, it can be a great adventure. Just as God was with Joshua, he is with us as we face new challenges. We may not conquer nations, but we face tough situations, difficult people, and temptations every day. However, God promises never to abandon or fail to help us. We can conquer many of life’s challenges by asking God to direct us
Neil S. Wilson, The Handbook of Bible Application (Adapted) .
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