Embrace Challenges: Transform Obstacles into Opportunities

Have you ever faced a challenge that seemed insurmountable, only to later realize it was a stepping stone to growth? Embracing challenges means seeing difficult situations not as roadblocks but as opportunities to learn, innovate, and solve important issues.

Overcoming obstacles creates deep learning. Being willing to fail is a vital part of the journey toward success because every setback teaches you something valuable. As a young dad with several small children, we bought an older house. It had only one ceiling fan installed—even though the house had air conditioning, we needed better airflow. Unable to afford professional help, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I struggled with putting that first fan in, fumbling with tools, techniques, and instructions seemingly translated from Chinese by a non-English speaker. You get the picture. Yet, with persistence and a willingness to fail, I learned the necessary skills. That initial challenge led me to become a bit of a handyman, eventually allowing me to install a ceiling fan in every room, tile floors, and do general plumbing. This experience taught me that each challenge, no matter how daunting, carries the seed of progress.

A key part of embracing challenges is being willing to take risks. Stepping out of your comfort zone - whether it's initiating a difficult conversation or trying a new strategy - means accepting uncertainty in exchange for growth. Calculated risks push you to innovate and can lead to breakthroughs in solving pressing problems. That might mean trying something new in your church - launching a new ministry, having a hard conversation, or shifting how you approach leadership. It's important to remember the power of "yet." Instead of thinking, "I can't handle this difficult conversation," add "yet" to the end of your thought. "I can't handle this difficult conversation yet." It transforms a fixed mindset into a growth mindset. As a pastor, taking these risks may sometimes feel daunting, but remember that each risk is an investment in your personal and professional development.

Reframe failure - Thomas Edison is known for saying, “I will not say I failed 1,000 times; I will say that I found 1,000 ways that won't work.” He also said, “Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” This mindset helps you see failures as part of the learning process rather than as definitive setbacks.

In James 1:2–4, we’re told to count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Growth isn't just possible - it’s the biblical expectation.

Many pastors give up on something (or someone) too early. But what if your next breakthrough is one more faithful step beyond your last frustration? As a pastor, you'll undoubtedly encounter challenging conversations and complex problems that seem overwhelming at first. Much like my experience with the ceiling fan, these challenges are opportunities in disguise. They push you out of your comfort zone, sharpen your problem-solving abilities, and prepare you to lead with empathy and insight. Each risk you take is not reckless; it’s a calculated step towards mastering new skills and building resilience.

Delegation involves entrusting tasks to church members, which can be a challenge for pastors who are used to handling everything themselves. Embracing this challenge as an opportunity for church members to grow aligns with the growth mindset. Letting others grow is part of your calling. Paul entrusted Timothy with responsibility. Moses shared leadership with 70 elders. Jesus sent the disciples two by two. Growth in others often begins with your willingness to release control.

Consider how trials refine our character, much like fire refines gold. This process of trial, risk-taking, and growth is central to both personal and professional development. This transition requires letting go of direct control over every task and instead empowering the team. Don’t step out of the boat unless Jesus is calling. But when He does, don’t hesitate.

Practice Exercise: Reframe a Current Challenge and Embrace Risk

• Identify a Challenge: Write down one current challenge you're facing - whether it’s a difficult conversation or a tough decision.

• Reframe the Situation (with "Yet"): Ask yourself, "How can this challenge be an opportunity to learn about or solve an important issue?" Note at least one positive outcome that might come from tackling it head-on. Remember to add "yet" to your internal dialogue. For example, instead of thinking "I can't solve this problem," reframe it as "I haven’t solved this yet… but what can I learn in the process?. Lord give me wisdom – faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God."

• Consider the Risk (with "Yet"): Reflect on what taking a risk in this situation might look like. What’s the potential benefit? What’s the worst-case scenario, and how can you mitigate it? When considering the risk, also consider what skills you do not have yet, that you could gain by talking to a mentor, praying, and taking the risk.

• Action Plan: Take one small, actionable step in the next week that involves stepping out of your comfort zone. This could be initiating a tough conversation or testing a new approach.

Every time you choose challenge over comfort, you take one step closer to the leader God is shaping you to be. And each time you embrace risk with faith, you remind your team - and your church - what it looks like to trust God’s process.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” - Martin Luther King Jr.