In spite of the obstacles in our life, whether we put them there, or others, God is still at work.
I remember my first time driving downtown Ottawa. I had walked down certain streets before, but found out you could not drive down those streets. There were arrow signs that were obstacles to where I thought I needed to go.
Obstacles are part of every ones’ life. Some, we bring in ourselves (Gen. 12:10 – Abram leaves the promise land). Some, we do not always see as obstacles (Lot in Gen. 13:7), and some obstacles come from other people’s choices (Sari – Gen 12:13-20).
In John Walton’s commentary on Genesis (NIV Application Commentary Genesis)
In Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 13 we see two different moments where obstacles come into Abram’s life. He makes a choice he most likely thought was good for his family. In doing so, he leaves the land God had called him to. In spite of the obstacle, that Abram put there, God would redeem Sari and bring the family back to the promise land. Then in Genesis 13, we see the “Lot Obstacle,” but this time Abram pauses and puts faith in God to guide his path.
In spite of the obstacles in our life, whether we put them there or others, God is still at work.
Obstacles will come into our life as we live out kingdom values in our kingdom roles. However, God is still at work. Even if we make a poor choice, and put obstacles between us and Christ,Jesus will call us back. There will be consequences, but God is still with us.
Isaiah 42:16 (ESV)
“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.”
Obstacles sometimes crowd the pathway, obstructing the vision and seeming at times to be quite unmoveable. However fear not, listen for the spirit guidance.
“Vision is the ability to see God’s presence, to perceive God’s power, to focus on God’s plan in spite of the obstacles.” ― Charles R. Swindoll
Jesus says “Come all who are weary and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Exercise: Do you have an obstacle in your life?
1. Write it out it?
2. Then write a prayer giving the obstacle to Jesus.
When fear comes, put faith in God and not the obstacle.
The obstacle may slow you down or stop you, but trust God to guide your path your path. Do not let the obstacle be your identity. Pray and trust in the word of God, make a decision, and live in your identity in Christ.