What another obstacle?

              Over the past two to almost three weeks I have been traveling almost daily to Memorial. I have tried several routes. I-16 is very quick if there is no construction or an accident. I cringe almost every time when I commit to I-16. It leads you to a false security of decision as I roll east at 70mph around Bloomingdale. I think good choice and then I see the brake lights blazing their red warning onto my retinas. Then the dream ends and I creep along at 5mph with all of the other folks. It takes a while until I know that construction is the obstruction. It has made me think about obstacles in lives and how we deal with them.

Road Blocks come in all kinds of shapes and textures. They can be physical boulders and blockages or intellectual knowledge and information. They might be emotional responses to critics or our own feelings. The obstacle could be our interpretation of what God is saying or what evil is trying to do to us. Regardless of what the obstacle is the question is, “How will we respond?” Sure we can fuss and fume about the obstruction and why do they have to do it now? We can complain about others. We can stew in the knowledge that we made a choice that isn’t going as we planned starting the monologue in our heads of how stupid, dumb, weak we are etc. etc. etc. Never a good plan. We may hear the voice of our loved one telling us to go a different way and so now we have to decide to tell them they were right or not. That one can be very difficult! What are we going to do in the face of this and the increasing obstacles to our way? Paul writing to the Roman church:

² Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. ¹² Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Romans 12:2,12 HCSB

⁶ Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 HCSB

Yep, the thing to do is pray. Our thinking needs to be revised and refocused to see God’s purpose and plan in the obstacle of our lives. There is not obstacle that God has not allowed to block us. It is for our good and His glory. However our thinking has to be changed to recognize His plan. As we pray for everything leaving it in God’s hands he will make a way in truth for life and light. Our greatest obstacle is the one we see in the mirror.

You do not have because you do not ask. ³ You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires. James 4:2-3 HCSB

²⁴ Therefore I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for—believe that you have received them, and you will have them. Mark 11:24 HCSB

We need to learn to pray about everything and for everything. This week when you face an obstacle what will you do? Try praying, waiting and trusting God to make a way. I’m trying that while is sit and creep along I-16. Maybe I-516 next time?

In HIS Service and Yours

Bro G