Facing Up to Challenges
Hengki Widjaja

Let me ask you a question—what challenges are you facing right now? Maybe it’s your health, your work, your finances, your marriage, or your obedience to God.

Whatever it is, challenges have a way of revealing who we are. For Christians, they reveal Christ in us. They show our maturity, our walk with Him, and whether we’re leaning on faith or fear.

The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to examine ourselves, to test if Christ is truly in us. James 1 also says to count it all joy when we face trials because they produce perseverance, maturity, and wisdom.

That’s not easy, but it changes how we see our struggles. Instead of only asking God to remove them, we can see them as opportunities for Christ to be revealed. People are watching how we respond, and when we reveal Christ, God is glorified!

Think about Esther—her challenge wasn’t just a problem; it was a divine opportunity: for such a time as this. David faced Goliath the same way. While others trembled, David saw a chance to defend the name of his God.

David’s preparation didn’t start with the giant; it started years earlier, with lions and bears. That’s why our daily walk with God is so important. By the time the challenge comes, it’s too late to start training. What’s inside of us will come out.

I want to share two keys God has been reminding me of: His Word and His Spirit.

First, the Word. In the beginning was the Word (John 1:1). Before every challenge, before every decision, we need to hear from God. His Word anchors us when storms come.

My wife and I stayed in Wollongong because we had a word from God. Even when jobs were scarce, we held on. When challenges come, cling to the Word God has spoken to you.

Second, the Holy Spirit. Romans 8 tells us the Spirit helps us in our weakness, even praying for us when we don’t have words. I experienced this when my father passed away. In deep grief, I couldn’t pray in English, but the Spirit interceded through groans and tongues. He brought peace when I had none.

Friends, don’t waste your challenges. Let them be the place where Christ is revealed, where the Word sustains you, and where the Spirit intercedes for you!