January 2024 - Let's Challenge God

"The future is as bright as the promises of God." - William Carey

   Here at Challenge and Commitment we are all about challenging ourselves and others. However, this year I would like to take us on a bend we have never attempted before. We are going to challenge God. Now this is not to be a "disrespectful or how far can we go before He does something" challenge, but rather a challenge of growth. There are over 7,000 promises made by God in the Bible. Throughout 2024, we are going to claim 12 of them, and challenge God to keep them. 

If we look at a promise, it is typically written in "I will... after you..." format. So in order to complete these challenges, we will have to do our half in order to see God do His. 

Job #1... pick a promise: 

   My goal for this year is to live it as Christ would have me to, and what better way to start than to follow the plan He has already given us? Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." What better way to learn to live for Him than the way He has already given? Let's start the year off right, by learning to trust.

Job #2... discover your part:

   According to Proverbs 3:5-6 we are to trust in the Lord and not in what seems right to us, and acknowledge Him in everything we do. How are we to trust in Him? Read His Word and pray, discovering His will. Then follow His will, rather than what we think would be a better way. Finally, before we take each step, acknowledge Him by seeking to glorify Him through every action.

Job #3... watch Him fulfil His part:

   If we follow His plan, God promises that He will direct our path. And what better way to live then accepting the best that only He can provide? Because no matter what idea we can conceive, God's way will always be better. So remember, for every no we receive, God has an even better yes. Let's trust Him this coming month, and watch Him come though for us each step of the way.