Overcoming Life's Challenges

It does not matter how hard the experience is, or how long we have been in our present location, situation and circumstances, we can still move on. Most of the time we stay too long in our “comfort zones” and do not “cross over” due to the perceived dangers on our way thereby losing the potential benefits at the other side

Let us examine the travail of Joseph. He was despised, hated and resented by his own kin and kith – blood relations, his own brothers. He was de-robed (of his coat of many colours - which was symbolic of his vision in life). The coat was a symbol of resentment. There are people who will attempt to de-robe you; that is take away your source of joy; attack your confidence, and belittle your testimony. Remember that as long as the dream remains and you continue to run with it, the purpose for your life will be accomplished

The nuclear or extended family can be a breeding ground for hatred, and the effects can be destructive indeed. Because of their hatred of him, Joseph’s own brothers threw him into the pit to remove him from their sight. The height, breadth, width and depth of your vision will determine the intensity of your pit experience. The pit of your life is an epitome of darkness, disgust, deepness and destruction

When your enemies could not keep you in the pit, they will sell you to others most especially strangers. The gossips, undermining and character assassinations will be employed vehemently with a view to destroy your life. Joseph was also sold into slavery. See what your own kith and kin can do to you! Joseph had to be prepared for the responsibility of leadership, and that preparation would come as he learned the role of a servant

He faced temptation from the wife of his master, Potiphar. Without dispute, Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. The temptation:

· Came from a source he never expected

· Repeated itself

· Came at a time of great opportunity when there was no one in the house

· Seemed to be to his advantage

He was falsely accused for his refusal to compromise. He was character-assassinated. People with lowest self-image tend to assassinate the character of those above them. Your enemies see in you a great future and will do everything to discourage and frustrate you. But remember that in all these, with Christ in your vessel, you “will smile at the storm” of life

Joseph refused the advances of the woman because of a powerful set of convictions which were not learned from his father, Jacob, nor from his hate-filled brothers, nor in the king’s palace in Egypt. These convictions were learned in the presence of God

In the Christian life, most of us would want always to enjoy the mountain experience. “Lord, it is good for us to be here; . . . let us make here three tabernacles . . . (Matthew 17:4). You do not move from one mountain to the other without going through the valleys. His dream of "ruling the world" was seemingly shattered. There are many in prisons and confinements who have given up hope of reaching the top because they see themselves stigmatized by society as a result of the imprisonment