PATH WITHOUT OBSTACLES
2 Corinthians 11:1-33
MEMORY VERSE: “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more: in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.” (KJV) (2 Corinthians 11:23-24)
So many people these days judge others by the problems in their lives. Many also believe that we can judge whether a particular venture is of God or not based on how simple, easy, or difficult that venture appears to be. Some think that if it is of God, then it must be very easy, but if it is difficult or full of obstacles, that means God is not involved. But that conclusion, as logical as it sounds, does not reflect the balanced nature of God’s word. Sometimes things may be difficult yet God is involved, and sometimes things can be so easy without any stress and God is also involved. The reverse can also be the case.
Of course, we know that Apostle Paul was called by God. He did not suffer all that we just read because he was formerly a persecutor of the church, but because the word of God says anyone who will live a godly life must suffer persecution. Apostle Paul encountered great trouble on the sea while he was in the ship even though he was in the center of God’s will, while Jonah had a similar experience in the Old Testament but his was as a result of his disobedience. It is very difficult to judge anyone by the troubles of their lives.
Life generally is a battlefield, not a playground. We cannot afford to live our lives in fun and fanfare, but in warfare. There are opportunities and obstacles. Everyone who determines to live life to its fullness must be willing to confront every opposition and obstacle. Paths without obstacles will lead nowhere in particular. No one ever becomes great in life without facing some challenges and trials. You cannot fulfill your destiny without overcoming the oppositions of life. The fact that things are not very easy for you today may not mean that you are outside the will of God. In fact, you are likely to be more opposed by the kingdom of darkness when you make up your mind to walk in the perfect will of God. Refuse to settle for an easy life and never allow obstacles to deter you from doing what God has in mind for you; all you need to be sure of is what God has to say about the situation.
WISDOM NUGGET:
Paths without obstacles will lead to nowhere important. Purpose to see beyond the obstacles.
PRAYER POINT:
I command every obstacle on my way to be removed by the hand of God, in Jesus name.