What Obstacles Do You Face?

 

By: Donna Bucher

After back-to-back snowstorms, we still have snow on the ground, just ahead of the Ground Hog’s final prediction for the arrival of spring.

Even though the Vernal Equinox is six weeks away, as a child the excitement of the Ground Hog’s prediction captivated me.

As an adult, while amusing, I know spring will come right on time despite the ground hog, or the amount of snow piled in my gardens!

Each time I shoveled snow, piling even more into the gardens lining our driveway, I sadly wondered how all the lovely flowers and shrubs planted there would survive the heavy snow, and if they would bloom again this year.

Yet each year when the snow is almost gone, I see all is well, the gardens having faced the obstacles of winter and eagerly soaking in the sun of spring!

 

Watching the way everything slowly comes back to life in the spring after the harshness of winter, illustrates how resilient nature can be. Despite winds, rains, snow and ice, the plant life, trees, shrubs, even wildlife faced those obstacles and came out on the other side strong and beautiful.

Let me ask today, my Friend, how do you face obstacles? I know I don't always face obstacles in the best way, doubting my own resiliency.

 

God is gracious, and when sitting with Him in moments of overwhelm from obstacles before me, He reminds me it's not about getting it "right", it's about showing up and trusting Him for what He allows me to face each day.

I don't have to figure it all out, I need to lean hard into His strength and wisdom and rest there.

 

Sometimes when facing disruption or obstacles, our natural inclination is to think we're on the wrong path, or worse, something is wrong with us, we're doing things all wrong.

But the truth we often miss is that God designs obstacles and disruptions especially for us to strengthen us. He is more concerned with how you approach life, than what's going on in your life.

 

"Obstacles do not prevent you from your calling, they prepare you for it."

 

Lisa Bevere

 

What if we viewed each obstacle as a challenge, an invitation for increasing our faith and believe God for something bigger?

Every chance we must increase our faith and step out bolder for God, will be met with resistance and obstacles. Rejoice! Because these are the opportunities God uses to build your faith, resilience, and capacity for doing greater things for Him!

 

We can't always control our circumstances, but we can control how we face them. Choosing to trust God, look for the growth He has for us, and view the obstacles as gateways to bigger things in Him we build resiliency.

If you've had a tough week, or difficult season facing obstacles, take heart; stay the course, God has something good for you on the other side.

Trust the process He uses to grow you, build character, and empower you for the work He has for you.

Remember you never face these obstacles alone; He walks every step with you!

 

"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith."

 

1 John 5:4

 

Be encouraged if you are facing obstacles or disruptions right now; embrace it as a wonderful opportunity for hearing God's voice in a more intimate way. Choose to step into more meaningful spiritual and personal growth, rather than allowing the obstacle to trick you into giving up or detouring around it.

 

Take a step of faith and push back, God is with you, you cannot fail.

 

Make it Practical:

 

What obstacles seem overwhelming to you today?

 

What one step can you take today to embrace the obstacle, trusting God with the outcome?

 

Find more encouragement and FREE Resources at Serenity in Suffering!

 

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