3 Challenges Every Christian Faces When Life Begins to Change

Have you ever struggled with change in your life? I have! Whether it’s a minor or major change, we all struggle with adjusting to change. It’s not an easy transition; in fact, change can be extremely challenging for some of us. It simply depends on the type of change we’re dealing with.There are two types of change we all encounter throughout the course of our life. Common change, which consists of expected events, and sudden change, which consists of unexpected events in our life. Examples of common change include events such as aging, getting married, and learning how to drive a car.These events are very much common for each of us. We are fully aware of them and, therefore, can expect them to occur in due time. On the contrary, sudden change is not predictable by any means.Events such as getting laid off at your job, being asked to step down from your leadership position, and losing someone you love are all drastic changes we can struggle with. Although change can be challenging, it is good and it is necessary!

Without change, there can be no new beginnings and no new opportunities for us to seek God even more.

It’s for this one reason that Satan will take advantage of the change in our life by placing thoughts of distraction and confusion such as:“Did God really say leave your job?”“Did God really say to move states?”“Did God really say finish your education?”"Did God really say (fill in the blank)?"Satan’s desire and purpose is to separate you from God, he will make change look bad when it’s actually good! He knows that once you begin to seek God for direction in the change you find yourself in, you are closer to thriving in your calling.

Making Decisions in the Crossroads

In the paragraphs to follow, I will focus on a major crossroad we all face as Christians. I’m naming this crossroad the beginning of new beginnings. But first I want you to have a clear understanding of what a crossroad is. According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, a crossroad is defined as “a road that crosses a main road.”On this crossroad, we will encounter God’s calling and what we believe our calling is. God’s calling for our life represents the main road on that crossroad, and what we believe to be our calling represents the road that crosses the main road.We all know we are called to fulfill God's greater purpose for our lives. At least I hope you do. We all have a calling and purpose to thrive in, yet some of us don't know what our calling is. Or you may think you know what your calling is, but do you really? Are you sure you're not pursuing your own desires instead of God's desires for your life?No matter where you find yourself in that spectrum, the reality is we are all called to fulfill God's greater purpose for our lives.Before you can thrive in your calling, you will have to endure some very difficult seasons. There is simply no way around it. Your perseverance and the way you conduct yourself during those seasons are what will eventually lead you to the glorious calling you were created for.The calling over your life will lead to change, and that change will lead to challenges.

Challenge #1: Doubt

The first challenge you can expect after accepting God’s call over your life is doubt. Doubt will consume your mind with multiple reasons why you can’t do what God is calling you to do.For some of you, God has called you to a different ministry, place, job, or location. What you thought would be the place to thrive in and glorify God in was simply the beginning of the preparation process for the greater calling still.

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For others, God is calling you to trust Him with your love life and stop pursuing or let go of a relationship. Whatever it is God is calling you to do you must obey or you will simply delay the journey to thriving in your calling.

Challenge #2: Confusion

The second challenge you can expect is confusion. Confusion will paralyze you from moving forward with God’s calling over your life and then it will prompt you to seek God.In the first phase of confusion, instead of seeking God first you will come up with every reason to not believe God and His promises. In the second phase, you will have no option but to let go and let God be God. Surrendering the battle and trusting He is in control will lead you to the last challenge on that crossroad.

Challenge #3: The Testing Of Your Faith

For it is by the testing of your faith that your endurance has a chance to grow and once your endurance is fully developed you will be ready to thrive in your calling (James 1:2-4).

The challenges mentioned above are all part of the process of becoming the man or woman God created you to be. It’s completely normal to encounter these challenges. In fact, if you’re not encountering any of these challenges throughout the course of your life, you’re not growing as a Christian or as a leader.

So when change presents itself to you, embrace it! Allow God to guide you through it all as you face the challenges that come with being called by the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

In the midst of change pray for a teachable heart, a willing spirit, a bendable will and a loving attitude. Say this prayer with me, “Lord, help me embrace new beginnings. New beginnings give me an opportunity to trust you. I want my faith to grow and beginnings are part of the growth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”Lastly, I highly encourage you to listen to “Thy Will” by Hillary Scott. Let this song be your prayer to God as you yield and surrender your will to His. Be a blessing.