Life is full of obstacles and challenges. That fact is clearly stated in God’s Word. As Christians, we have not been promised an easy road, but we are assured that God will help us overcome obstacles if we trust in Him.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (ESV)
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The Bible gives us tips to overcome challenges in God-honoring ways.
Let’s explore 13 key biblical strategies and Bible verses to help you overcome the challenges in your life.
1. Welcome Challenges as Opportunities for Growth
Hard times and criticisms can strengthen your character if you humbly receive them as tools God uses to mature you.
Proverbs 3:11–12 (NIV) says:
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
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If you feel wounded, you can take comfort in knowing God binds up and heals (Job 5:18). Challenges are opportunities for spiritual growth.
2. Boldly Take a Stand for Christ
It’s tempting to hide your faith so you don’t stand out as different. But Jesus insists you show courageous, enthusiastic loyalty in your words and actions, especially when it’s unpopular.
“For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Mark 8:38 (ESV)
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We live in an increasingly secular culture. God is allowing you to develop boldness and set an example if you’re willing to take a strong stand.
3. Resist Evil By Drawing Near to God
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:7-8 (ESV)
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The Bible instructs us to resist the devil by humbling ourselves and drawing near to God. Admit your faults and seek God’s strength to help you refrain from and reject evil influences.
Stay focused on God through spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and Bible study to keep you from veering off course when under spiritual attack.
4. Do Good Works Consistently
Persevering in doing good can be challenging when you face opposition. Galatians 6:9 (ESV) states:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
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God sees and will reward your efforts, even if the results aren’t immediate. Consistently living out your faith is planting seeds for future blessings.
5. Pray With Confidence in God’s Will
1 John 5:14 (ESV) says:
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”
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You can have complete confidence that God hears and answers prayers aligned with His will. His answers aren’t always what you expect, but He responds in one of three ways:
- Yes
- No
- Wait
Every response is for your ultimate good. Keep praying boldly.
6. Commit Your Life Fully to God
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV) contains an incredible promise:
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
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If God’s people humble themselves, pray, seek Him, and repent, He will hear, forgive, and heal.
To overcome challenges, you must submit fully to God’s purpose and rely on His power to live righteously. Your breakthrough will come through humility and prayer.
7. Trust God’s Promise of Eternal Love in Christ
Romans 8:38–39 (ESV) declares:
“38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
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Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ. Despite any difficulty you face, you can hold on to this assurance.
Remember, you are securely held by the Father and this will help you endure storms. He will never abandon those who put their hope in Him.
8. Stay Rooted in God’s Word and Prayer
Psalm 119:105 (ESV) tells us:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
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God’s Word is a lamp that lights your path. Read Scripture every day to keep your focus upward and steer you along the right course.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands us to “pray without ceasing.”
Maintain a continual conversation with God all day every day. This will give you the strength to press on. He wants you to share every concern with Him.
9. Rely on God’s Strength, Not Your Own
Obstacles expose your limitations. But God says His power is perfected in your weakness.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
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Lean on Him and allow His strength to manifest. You are not meant to overcome challenges under your own power.
Victory comes when you rely on the Holy Spirit who works mightily within you.
10. Choose Faith Over Fear
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”
1 John 4:18 (ESV)
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Fear and anxiety are common reactions when you face major obstacles. But 1 John 4:18 reminds us perfect love – God’s love – casts out fear.
Choose faith over fear by entrusting unknown outcomes to the One who knows all. He will give you His lasting peace if you let Him.
11. Abstain From Sinful Responses
“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
James 1:21 (ESV)
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It’s easy to become bitter, worried, vengeful, or indulge in other sinful responses when going through hardship. But as James 1:21 says, you should “humbly accept the word planted in you.”
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to recognize and reject ungodly reactions. Sin drags you backward rather than leading you through challenges.
12. Trust in God’s Good Plans and Purposes
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
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God promises in Jeremiah 29:11 that His plans for us are for good and not disaster, to give us a future and hope.
Even when you can’t understand trials from your limited view, you can trust His higher purposes are unfolding.
Remember, God works all things for your good (Romans 8:28). Your present suffering won’t last forever. Victory lies ahead.
13. Surround Yourself With Believers for Support and Accountability
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT) talks about the value of not being alone – having others to lift you up when you fall.
“9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”
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Surround yourself with Christian friends who will pray with you, speak truth, and encourage you to press on.
Stay plugged into a church community. We are not meant to overcome alone. God provides us with a spiritual family to help us through every season.
Key Takeaways To Overcome Obstacles in Life God’s Way
- God uses challenges to spiritually strengthen us. See them as opportunities to grow.
- Living out your faith boldly develops courage and blesses others.
- Defeating evil starts with drawing close to God.
- Perseverance in doing good will ultimately be rewarded.
- Pray with full confidence in God’s perfect will.
- Overcoming obstacles begins with humbling yourself before God.
- Cling tightly to the promise of God’s unfailing love in Christ.
- Stay rooted in Scripture reading and prayer.
- Rely on God’s strength rather than your own to get victory.
- Choose faith over fear and this will enable you to endure.
- Reject ungodly reactions and focus on responding as God desires.
- Trust God is working out His good plans for you even when life feels senseless.
- Surround yourself with supportive, accountable believers.
No matter what challenges you are facing today, be assured that our mighty God sees, cares, and can lead you to victory and blessing on the other side.
But you must stay close to Him, trusting in His infinite power and wisdom rather than relying on your strength.
He will give you everything you need to overcome. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on Him.
FAQs On Biblical Ways To Overcome Challenges In Life
Q. What are some examples of challenges Christians face?
A. Christians face challenges such as illness, job loss, broken relationships, depression, caring for a special needs child, addiction recovery, infertility, and much more.
Obstacles can include both circumstantial trials and spiritual battles.
Q. Why does God allow us to go through hard times?
A. God uses challenges to build our character, strengthen our faith, cause us to rely on Him, mold us into the image of Christ, and equip us to minister to others.
He brings good from our hardship (Romans 8:28).
Q. How do I know if I’m relying on God or just myself to get through tough times?
A. Indicators you may be relying on yourself include anxiety, constant worry, frustration when things don’t go according to your plan, anger, perceiving the situation as hopeless, and trying to control outcomes.
On the other hand, by relying on God you’ll have peace, trust, humility, patience, and freedom from fear.
Q. What should I do when I feel overwhelmed by challenges?
A. Go to God in earnest prayer, read encouraging Scripture, listen to praise music, care for your physical body through proper rest and nutrition, serve others to get the focus off yourself, and seek support and perspective from spiritually mature believers.
Q. Why do other people who are not living for God seem to face fewer challenges?
A. Non-believers can appear to face fewer trials, but they could be quietly struggling too. God also protects new Christians sometimes. But they miss growth opportunities from difficulties.
Serving God doesn’t mean living without challenges, but He equips us to overcome them.
The road ahead likely includes challenges, but take heart—you have the Almighty God who conquered death itself leading you. With His help, you will overcome and ultimately thrive!
