Do you have that list of things that are keeping you from succeeding? Those things that, if they weren’t there, would make life more successful. What’s holding you back?

Do you ever consider that God knows about those things? Have you ever thought that some of life’s challenges were allowed by the Lord, maybe even put there by Him to help shape us into the image of His Son, Jesus?

I’m not sure I like that thought, but there is a biblical foundation for it.

In my recent Bible reading in Judges, I learned that the Lord sometimes tests us through the circumstances of life. In Judges 2, we are reminded of how often the Israelites abandoned God and began to worship idols. God would point out their sin, and the people would repent. Then the Lord would raise up a judge to rescue the people from their enemies. But when that judge died, the people would turn away from God.

Burning with anger over His people’s actions, the Lord said He would allow the attacking nations to conquer Israel. Then this verse nails down my thoughts:

I did this to test Israel—to see whether or not they would follow the ways of the Lord as their ancestors did.

Judges 2:22 NLT

We look at the challenges and say, “If only….” If only they weren’t there. If only I could get past the things that are holding me back. If only.

In my radio days, we used to run a test of a national emergency system. The voice would come on at the start and at the end, saying, “This is only a test.”

I wish it were that clear in life. Obstacles look like obstacles to us, not life-shaping events. Our weaknesses make us feel inadequate to do our job or to serve the Lord. That may be exactly where the Lord wants us. Inadequate. Dependent. Trusting Him rather than ourselves.

What you are facing today that seems to be holding you back may be God’s test of your faith and trust in His process to make you more like Jesus.

I came across a video of McKinnon Galloway, a young lady who has embraced this understanding of God’s Truth. Since age 16, she has undergone multiple brain surgeries to address the many tumors in her body. She is deaf. The tumors attach to her nerves and have caused numerous challenges. Yet she has a bright spirit and seeks to encourage and help others despite her situation. This link will take you to one of her many videos.

So, I ask again, what’s holding you back from becoming all God wants you to be and from leading others as He intends you to lead?

Life isn’t all mountaintop experiences. They are great, but that isn’t where we usually live. Henry Blackaby reminds us that there is a purpose for those wonderful, challenge-free experiences.

“If God allowed us to live on the ‘mountaintop,’ we would not experience trials, but neither would we achieve any victories. But remember, these mountaintop encounters are God’s way of preparing you for the battles that await you.”

Jesus’ half-brother James opened his letter to Jewish believers by discussing the trials and challenges they were no doubt experiencing.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

James 1:2-3 NLT

Let’s look at life’s challenges for what they are, as things God allows, not to slow us down but to help us grow to look more like Jesus… and to accomplish all He has for us in God’s strength.

God’s best,