The Challenge

In life there are challenges that causes us to rise to it or faultier under the pressure. Why is it that some individuals can always raise to the challenges of life and others cannot even show up to the challenge of life. I believe that the biggest reason that some can face the challenges of life and others cannot is a greater understanding of what real life is and is not. 

Real life is facing difficulties and coming out on the other side of those difficulties without too many scars or bruises. For many it is the scars and bruises that tell the story of how facing the challenges of life will build character for growth. But for a few it is the scars and bruises that remind them of the fall from the challenge and the loss of confidence to face the next challenge. It is these few that have lost confidence in their faith, strength, and mental toughness that decide not to face the challenges any longer. As chaplains we need to encourage these to get back into the game of life.

The only way they are going to get back into the game is to have their scars and bruises covered so others do not see their weaknesses. Christ is the only one who can cover their real weaknesses in their life. He is the one who provides the healing balm of life to our scars and bruises. He is the Neosporin of life’s scars and bruises. Without him we do not heal well and the scars of life can be seen in our spiritual, emotional, and physical well being. But with Him we can face the challenges that life throws at us with confidence that even if we get pushed around and knocked down. He will be there to pick us up, dust us off and boost our confidence to face our fears and problems head on.

So the real question is; Are you willing to help those who cannot seem to face the challenges of life to get back into the game? If so encourage them to take the spiritual challenge of accepting Christ as their protector of life's scars and bruises. Show them his promises of spiritual armor to face life's battles.

Eph 6:10-13 tells us how to put on the protection to face the challenges of life. So the question is, will you be sure to help others get their spiritual armor on before life’s next battle takes another soul off the battlefield? If so put on that armor each day as you go out into the darkness of this world to help others find their PPI (Personal Protective Equipment) and face life's challenges.  

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand