
Obstacles (also known as challenges, trials, tests,
tribulations, etc.) are what shape and mold us into a useful part of the human
race. If nobody accepted the challenge of an obstacle and simply sat down and
crossed arms, nothing of value would be learned or modeled for others.
Obstacles shape us in several ways. I know . . . who wants
to be shaped by the difficulties inserted into our life? Probably nobody. However,
obstacles are a part of life and we must learn to capitalize on the potential
personal gain one can experience through head-on confrontation with whatever
seeks to block our progress.
Obstacles take many forms. They can be rejection, character assault,
or even prescribed training like our armed forces utilize to harden and shape
those charged with keeping us safe and free. Obstacles can also take the form
of repeated detours that leave us questioning our original travel plans though
life.
Here are several questions you can ask yourself when faced
with an obstacle.
Questions:
What am I supposed to learn from this roadblock?
Am I on the right path?
Is my timing in God’s will?
Is this roadblock actually a
divine protection keeping me from disaster?
Have I sought God’s will for my life and did I listen when
He revealed it?
Am I determined to face each obstacle with a willingness to
overcome it?
Do I look at each obstacle as a sign that I’m not supposed
to go that way?
Do the obstacles keep me in a continual state of defeat?
I intend to address some of these questions in Part 2.
However, re-read the list above and really think about how they might represent
your attitude toward obstacles. This article’s intent is to bring light on
those things that may be keeping you from realizing your God-given potential.