GOD HAS GIVEN YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES.
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“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and
through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”—2 Corinthians
2:14
We are being moved by things all of
the time. What we hear and see, what
people say, and what surrounds us, our circumstances can influence us and move
us. It is important that we learn what
we should be influenced by because until we do, we can be moved by the wrong
things.
The Apostle Paul had many
opportunities to be moved by circumstances.
During his ministry, he encountered many hardships. He wrote to the Corinthians that, “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not
crushed, we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed—always carry about in the body the dying of the
Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifest in our body” (2
Corinthians 4:8-10). As Paul
traveled to Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit showed him he would experience more hard
times and imprisonment. In spite of
this, Paul said, “But none of these
things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my
race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus to testify
to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).
No one has ever succeeded without
overcoming obstacles. To be honest, it
is not the obstacles that hold us back.
It is what we do with them that matters.
John Maxell, a noted author and motivational speaker, said, “Turn your
mistakes into stepping-stones for success.”
It can be easy to be motivated by hardships and obstacles. But do not allow yourself to be moved by
negative circumstances—lack of money, bad relationships, somebody’s opinion, bills
that need to be paid…the list can go on and on. Do not let any of these circumstances keep you
from following God’s plan for your life.
Anytime that you encounter obstacles, say what Paul said: “None of these things move me!” If
you will continue to trust God He
will bring you through to the other side.
The Lord guides you through the Holy
Spirit. “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you
into all truth: for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He
hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit dwells inside of you and
wants to help you. He wants to give you
wisdom and strength when you do not know what to do. He has all the answers and knows how to get
you out of hardships. As you look to
Him, He will always lead you in the right direction and cause you to be
victorious in every circumstance.
Although life will never be
trouble-free, the good news is God has given us everything we need to overcome
and conquer obstacles. You will triumph
in every situation when you make reading the Scriptures and following the Holy
Spirit a priority. Instead of the
problem conquering you, you will come out on top of it.
Prayer—Father
I thank you that with Your help I will use obstacles as stepping-stones—as opportunities
to move me to a better future, in Jesus Name. Amen.
