what is the 12:9 Challenge?
It is a challenge that seems impossible for you to complete. It could be to start a new habit, get a PR, run a certain distance, or learn to keep your thoughts on Christ. Whatever you feel the Lord lead you to, you must make sure that you obey His leading in what to do in order to make it happen. Unless something is humanly impossible, He always works through His people.
How do you accomplish the 12:9 Challenge?
That’s just it, you don’t. The 12:9 Challenge is about surrender. The purpose is to realize that God can work through you in amazing ways. It shows you that without Him you an do nothering, yet with Him you can do anything. (See John 15:5 and Philippians 4:13) The point is to gain a new perspective to see the situation or the hallenge through God’s eyes.
Where does the chalenge get its name?
12:9 is the verse reference from 2 Corinthians 12:9 which says, “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakenss. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Since you are not the one working, does this mean that this will be easy?
No Ma’am! Anything that has an outcome that is worth it is going to be hard, but it is a different kind of hard. surrender and obedience to God is not going to be your focus… and that is hard for our prideful, sinful hearts.
Caution!
This is not an opportunity to test God. Nor does this challenge have to be complete in any specific time frame. Rather it is an opportunity for you to let go of something you have been trying to do for years, surrender it to God, and give Him a change to work where you have failed. Grace is saying to God, “I can’t, but You can.”
What are the challenge steps?
Watch the Video (coming soon!) and Download the two Provided Sheets below. Here is a list of the steps so you know what you are getting yourself into.
- Meditate on 2 Corinthians 12:9 using the downloadable sheet below.
- What is an area in your life that really bothers you? What is constantly on your mind that you wish could be dealt with? Jot down some things, pray about it, and then pick one that stands out to you.
- Every time this area comes to mind: Tell God, “I give this to you.” Ask Him for the grace to be able to obey as He leads. Thank God for an opportunity to draw closer to Him.
- Choose to surrender by choosing to embrace the truth. Find verses that speak truth about your “12:9 Challenge”.
- Go over these verses every morning and every evening.
These steps are gone over in depth on the video and written down on the information sheet. Feel free to grab some friends and use this challenge for your own personal use.
Final Words
If you complete this challenge, please let us know what you think! I personally have been challenged many times, by God Himself, to surrender different areas, people, and things in my life. He has drawn me closer to Him each time, filling me with Himself in place of what I am giving Him. I pray that that is the result you gain too. Of course there are lots of physical blessings to surrender, but the eternal ones are way better.
I love you gals and pray that God leads each of you into a deeper relationship with Him.
Enjoy!
Be Still and Run 