CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

 

I don’t really remember how old I was then but I will never forget the constant insults our former landlady rained on my mother and us - her children.  Her reason: My mother had challenged her status by buying a TV set, and unlike her (landlady), had given everyone access to watch.

I recall how this woman would wake up at dawn, sit close to our door and insult us until sunrise.  During one of her usual tantrums, she stated that there was no way my mother’s children could become successful than hers because we were poor tenants in her house.

I believe in my young mind I said to myself, “challenge accepted”!  And over time, God has proved Himself faithful.

When Nehemiah started to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, Tobiah and Sanballat mocked him and said “even a fox will bring the walls down by jumping over it” but I know Nehemiah said, “Challenge Accepted” and turned deaf ears to them. (See Nehemiah 4:1-3)

It may interest you to know that when Nehemiah was done rebuilding the wall, Tobiah sought to have a place in Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 13:4-8)

“When people are afraid of your success, they employ the weapons of intimidation, mockery, accusations, insults and criticisms in an attempt to cause to abandon your dream.”

Some people think they are God’s Accreditation Board, responsible for certifying those who can make it in life.  They don’t believe that the gatekeeper’s child would one day become the owner of a real estate company.

Just tell them: “Challenge Accepted!”

My advice to you: don’t go fighting those who despise you because of your looks, family background or a mistake you made.  They might have even concluded on you that you can never make it; just tell “Challenge Accepted”

To the people who mocked you when you told them of the things you want to accomplish in life, tell them, “Challenge Accepted! Give me some few years; you will wonder how I made it.”

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Step out there like David and tell your Goliath: “Challenge Accepted!”