Choose the Challenge
“ if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you ”
I heard that saying from one of my students who heard it at a spin class. It’s so simple and straightforward that it just stuck with me and resonated in my spirit! As I’ve gone through my own challenges, I have come to realize there’s a reason this is such a cliché – it’s oh, so true! Every new chapter or adventure in my life has had its share of challenges.
I’ve come to realize that most people want to change and grow into the person God intended for them to be, but very few of us are actually willing to embrace the challenge of change. Any challenge that comes our way will cause us to step out of our comfort zones and try things against our routines, traditions, and areas of expertise. It causes us discomfort because it can feel like we are stepping out on what we believe God is telling us to do. You will never reach your full potential being comfortable in your cocoon, though; it’s high time to spread your wings and take flight, even if that means disappointing the people who can only perceive you as a caterpillar, not the butterfly you were destined to be.
It will certainly be a challenge, but choose the challenge over the comfort. If you do not take the “discomfort challenge”, you will not only be hurting yourself but also others who are standing by and supporting you. There are also individuals who are waiting on your to break the mold and blaze a trail so they can follow you into a new world and towards a beautiful horizon.
So it’s time to take flight: start that new business, write that book, say “yes” to a new relationship, start that ministry, make an offer on that new house. Just do it! You’ll feel so much better when you’ve accepted the challenge.
Change is necessary in life! It keeps us fresh and moving towards the next adventure God has designed for us. My favorite scripture is 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; behold, all things have become new!” Let go of your old thinking and embrace your destiny! There will be moments of insecurity and uncertainty, but it will be worth it. If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you!
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I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth
comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us.
— Romans 8:18