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A Confident Challenge



There is nothing like a good challenge to stir things up in our life!  Usually the challenge is to make us stronger, better, more efficient, things that benefit us.

My son is getting married in July.  While doing some dress shopping for the wedding, I realized that the weather will be extremely hot, emotions will be high and being in my mid 40's, a dress with minimal sleeves would be a must!  Of course there is some vanity involved, but I found a 30 Day Upper Body Challenge which promised to strengthen, tone and firm up biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest and back!  Oh yeah!!!  Those are the results I was looking for!!



I'm in week three now and have been doing this challenge diligently. It takes some time set aside each day, a purpose to be consistent, do a complete job and follow the directions.  But the results have been great so far!! There is a noticeable difference in toning, firming and my arms are stronger in doing daily tasks.  

 In our Christian walk, we will face challenges.  The difference is that we usually don't go around looking for a 'good Christian challenge"!  These challenges sometimes shake us to the core.  We find out where our weaknesses are. Maybe some areas in our life become 'not so attractive' and need some toning and shaping up.  Before we recognized these things, it can be easy to just let them go, but a challenge demands that we give them attention!  It demands us to look deep at what is going on and seek a solution. It may take deliberate action and faithfulness to work it out. We begin to seek for divine direction.  

This morning, my devotion shared these powerful verses from Psalm 27:

"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord  in the land of the living.
 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

As we face challenges in our Christian walk, we can be confident that God is with us and that every trial and challenge has a purpose - and that is for our good.  If we keep our eyes on Him (above our circumstances) we will see His goodness and the results that only He can bring out in our life. 

Like the physical exercise challenge, we do have a part or some action to do in this...'wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart".  Trust, faith, hope - these are gifts that God graciously gives to us, but like our muscles, they only get stronger when exercised.

I'm linking up with Making Your Home Sing and although this doesn't seem to be a 'homemaking' post, what better place to find growth and improvement than in our homes?  Whenever we are challenged and overcome obstacles, it speaks volumes about our faith where it matters...in our homes!  Homemaking or home living is a series of lessons where we grow in and share.  What we are at home, is truly what we are. When our families see us stretched and challenged, and see us exercise the trust, faith and hope in the Lord, life lessons which point to God are shared and can impact lives for generations to com.  


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Comments

  1. Mrs. Laura LaneMay 19, 2014 at 1:27 PM

    Every post about the homemaker is a homemaking post, Joyfull!

    I've long since given up on my upper arms, but maybe it's not hopeless. I've been feeling challenged in my Christian walk lately. Perhaps I should view the challenge more positively. ~smile!~

    Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  2. SandraMay 23, 2014 at 11:54 AM

    If we are struggling spiritually, our homes won't sing, so it's an appropriate post. Some good thoughts in here. I appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete

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