Christian Living

Speed Bumps

by paul hoffmaster
10/04/25
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Everything in life is progressing at a normal pace when suddenly, out of nowhere, we hit a “speed bump” and our minds turn into a mental 911 call.  How do we respond to unexpected challenges in our lives?  Many times we tend to exaggerate the mole hill and make it into a mountain.  The majority of problems that Christians face are made so much bigger by our overactive minds than the original problem itself.  There are times when our problems are actually greater than we imagined, and as a result, we experience an overwhelming reaction.  Satan sends packages labeled “Open immediately.”  These packages contain booster shots of worry, fear, and anxiety.  Our prayer life is put on hold until we have attempted to handle the problem ourselves.  It is only when we fail to disarm the problem that we call on Jesus for help.

Christians need to understand that many problems are opportunities to grow closer to God.  Instead of trying to find a way around the problem, why not face the problem with the confidence that the Lord is there with us?  A challenge, also known as “schooling,” is learning to tackle the problem with Faith.  Too many Christians have failed to mature to the point where they know how to handle negative challenges.  The Scriptures state that many have failed to grow in the Faith and, as a result, need to go back to the Scriptures and learn the basics of the Christian life. (Hebrews 5:12)  We must remember that no problem is bigger than God!

King Jehoshaphat, the fourth King of Judah, faced a challenge that, if not dealt with, would have catastrophic consequences.  Two massive armies were invading Judah.  The King was caught off guard.  Before this, Judah had been experiencing a conflict-free environment.  Life in the land was prosperous and secure.  Suddenly, all would change.  What Jehoshaphat did next should be the pattern for all Christians to follow.  The King decided to “Set himself to seek the Lord.” (II Chronicles 20: 2)  Instead of allowing fear to overcome him, he decided to seek God.  He could have called up his army to prepare for the invasion, but instead, he was determined to put the situation in God’s hands. 

Jehoshaphat also made the distinction that Judah was actually God’s possession and not his. (II Chronicles 20:11)  When will Christians realize that God purchased us through the blood of Jesus, making us God’s possession!  When Satan releases an unexpected attack against us, it is really against Jesus.  When Saul (Paul) was on his way to arrest the followers of Jesus, he was met by Jesus Himself, who asked him, “Why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9: 4)  Attacks against Christians are assaults against Jesus.  A prophecy was given over Jehoshaphat by a man named Jahaziel, in which he stated that the King was not to be afraid, for the battle was not his but God’s. (II Chronicles 20:15)  Believers need to realize whom they belong.  Jahaziel told the King that he was to “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” (v.17)  Let us stand still emotionally and Biblically and see how the Lord will lead us through our problem.

The King told the people to “Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established.” (v.20)  The people were then ordered to worship and sing praises unto their God.  When is the last time we worshiped and sang praises to the Lord before our battles?  The pattern is simple: Set ourselves to seek the Lord; Realize we are God’s possession; Stand still in our Faith, worshiping and praising God for who He is.