A new year always brings new challenges.
Some of those challenges we put on ourselves, like the resolutions that about half of Americans have made for 2026. Some of those challenges are put on our plate by others – employers, teachers, even relatives and friends. Sometimes we’re able to rise to meet these challenges, but sometimes they are too great or too many for us to overcome.
Our natural reaction is to look to ourselves for strength and resolve when we face challenges. That mindset can come from many places:
- The personal belief of “I can do this!” (Or the more desperate “I have to do this!”)
- The classic American attitude of “pull yourself up by your bootstraps”
- The preaching of “God helps those who help themselves” that’s so prevalent in American Christianity
But overcoming challenges is never really about us and what we do. It’s about God and what he does for us.
It’s God’s grace – his undeserved love for us – that strengthens us in the face of challenges, no matter if they’re physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges. Because of God’s grace, our greatest challenge – the separation sin caused between us and God – has been defeated by Jesus’ death on the cross. And the grace of God never fails. So when challenges come your way, there’s no need to look inward for strength. Instead, put your trust in the strength of your God’s right hand. He’s already helped you in your greatest challenge – he’ll help you in the rest of them too!
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Keep the Conversation Going
Younger Kids
- What is something that feels hard or challenging for you right now?
- When something is hard, why is it better to ask God for help instead of trying to do everything ourselves?
- How does this promise from God make you feel: “I will strengthen you and help you?”
Older Kids
- Why do you think people often try to handle challenges by themselves first, instead of turning to God for help?
- How does knowing that God already defeated our biggest challenge, sin, change the way you look at your everyday struggles?
- What would it look like for you to trust God’s strength instead of relying only on your own when a difficult situation comes up this week?
Family Prayer
Dear Jesus,
You know all the different challenges we’ll face this year. Forgive us for the times we trust ourselves instead of you for help. Remind us in your Word that you’ve already bested our biggest challenge and that your grace will always go before and follow after us. Uphold us with your righteous right hand today and every day. In your name we pray, Amen.
