Life often presents us with challenges that seem insurmountable—whether it’s a difficult relationship, financial strain, health concerns, political and cultural upheavals or inner struggles. Yet, Jesus’ teachings provide timeless strategies and principles that empower us to navigate these roadblocks with faith, grace, and wisdom. By aligning ourselves with these spiritual truths and following the simple strategies that Jesus and other spiritual leaders have outlined, we can rise above our difficulties and transform them into opportunities for growth and renewal.
Jesus emphasized the internal power of faith as a cornerstone for overcoming obstacles. In Matthew 17:20, He said, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” This metaphor reminds us that faith, no matter how small, has the potential to create profound change.
Unity teachings expand on this idea, encouraging us to cultivate faith not only in God but also in the divine potential within ourselves. When we face challenges, instead of focusing on the problem, we can shift our perspective to trust in God’s guidance and the inner strength that is innate within us.
Prayer and meditation were central to Jesus’ life and ministry. He often withdrew to pray in silence, even in the midst of His most demanding moments. In Matthew 6:6, He taught, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” This instruction underscores the importance of personal, heartfelt silent communion with God. The language of God is the Silence.
In Unity, prayer is understood as a way to align our thoughts with divine truth. Affirmative prayer, in particular, helps us claim the good we seek, even when circumstances seem contrary. For instance, instead of dwelling on fear during a challenging time, we can affirm: “I am guided, protected, and provided for by the infinite wisdom of God.”
Fear often magnifies our problems, making them seem larger than they are. Jesus frequently reminded His followers to let go of fear and trust in God. In John 14:27, He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Unity teachings highlight that fear is a product of the human mind, not the divine truth of our being. By consciously releasing fearful thoughts and affirming God’s presence, we open ourselves to peace and clarity. A simple practice is to pause, take a deep breath, and affirm: “God is here. All is well” and then wait in the silence for guidance and reassurance.
Jesus often spoke in parables, using everyday situations to reveal spiritual truths. His teachings invite us to see challenges not as punishments or failures but as opportunities to grow closer to God and deepen our faith. In John 16:33, He reassured His disciples: “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Unity principles teach that every difficulty contains the seed of a blessing. By affirming, “This challenge is here to teach me something valuable,” we shift from a mindset of resistance to one of curiosity and openness looking for the opportunity to show up in our lives.
At the heart of Jesus’ teachings is the principle of love. In Matthew 22:37-39, He declared the greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” When we act from love, even in the face of adversity, we align ourselves with divine power. Unity encourages us to practice love as a transformative force. Whether it’s offering a kind word, extending compassion, or simply holding loving thoughts, love has the power to dissolve barriers and heal wounds.
Jesus’ teachings are a roadmap for overcoming life’s difficulties. By cultivating faith, embracing prayer, releasing fear, practicing forgiveness, seeing challenges as opportunities, acting with love and realizing that we are the expression of divinity in human form, we can navigate even the toughest situations with confidence and grace.
As we apply these principles in our daily lives, we discover that no problem is too great when we align ourselves with the infinite wisdom and love of God. Let us remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:26: “With God, all things are possible.” We are the answer we have been looking for. We remember that Jesus says in Luke 17:21 that “The Kingdom of Heaven is within each one of us.” That is our reason for being here. Realizing the Truth of who we are.
