Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55:8–9

Introduction

A. Some of the most challenging experiences we have in life often turn out to be the most satisfying and rewarding.

B. God will often challenge us in life to do things we don’t want to do and to rethink some things we thought we understood.

Discussion

I. God often challenges long-held views of things.

A. God sometimes challenged Israel’s very understanding of who He was (Genesis 28:15–16; 1 Samuel 4–5).

B. The idea of Gentiles coming in was very troubling for first-century Jews (Acts 10:28; 11:2–3).

C. God proved decisively that He was the author of this move (Acts 10:10–16, 19–20, 30–35; 11:15–18).

II. God continues to challenge us day by day.

A. He challenges us with trials (Genesis 22:12; 2 Corinthians 12:9).

B. He challenges us with Scripture (Matthew 19:4; 22:31, 45).

C. He challenges us with experience (Job; Habakkuk 1:2–4).

Conclusion

A. God’s challenges may be unsettling while we are going through them, but they are always for our benefit.

B. If God is challenging you, instead of resisting His prodding as Saul did for so long, try to look at this challenge as a gift and an opportunity for God to draw you closer.