The power of obstacles

In our walk with God (and in life in general), people frequently attempt to avoid obstacles. Obstacles are perceived to be hindrances in fulfilling our God-given purpose. We lament the fact that they keep us from abundant life, from fulfilling our purpose. I often hear people talking about "if only..."

I believe that it is time to see obstacles in a different light. Instead of being the thing that hinders us, in reality obstacles are the avenue for the release of God's miracle working power. The next time you face what seems like an insurmountable challenge in your walk with God, I encourage you to see that challenge differently. Look from the historical perspective of the Bible.

The nation of Israel was trapped between the Red Sea and the wrath of Pharaoh and his Egyptian army. They faced certain destruction; it seemed as if following God had led them to this place of insurmountable obstacle. However, their situation was the catalyst for them to experience the power of God.

Jesus and His disciples spent the day with multitudes of people in the remote wilderness. With nothing to eat all day, the people grew hungry. There was no way to provide for their need. Once again the circumstances were ripe for the manifestation of the miraculous power of God.

History is filled with examples of people who embraced obstacles, instead of shrinking back from the impossibility of their circumstances, they pressed ahead. These are the history-makers, people who change the face of their generation. History is also filled with people, who when confronted with obstacles, chose to shrink away in fear. These are the people who have been largely irrelevant to the kingdom of God.

When one becomes possessed by his/her God-given dreams and boldly tackles obstacles, something transformational begins to occur. As obstacles are conquered, an authority, a "weightiness" begins to be evident in the individual. Conversely, when one shrinks from the inevitable obstacles that result from heeding the invitation of God, they become changed as well. Negativity, fear, and an unhealthy spirit of competition begins to define them.

I am convinced that the main difference between history-makers and irrelevant people is their attitude toward and their response to obstacles. The reason most of us never experience the miracle working power of God is that we have no need for it. We spend our life in "smallness" never needing God's power on our behalf.

Obstacles are the medium through which men and women are made. Obstacles are catalyst for the unleashing of the power of God. Embrace them...overcome them...be transformed!