Obstacles Can Be Invitations in Disguise

Obstacles come to us in many forms. They might look like long years of learning, formal instruction or other prerequisites to the next step in life. Regulations of all kinds, and people of all kinds, are sometimes perceived as obstacles. Failures, usually of our own doing, often fall in to the same or similar category. These are only a few examples of things that can slow us down if we allow it. They are life lessons we all go through. How we look at our obstacles makes a big difference on how we deal with them.

A natural initial reaction to obstacles is to complain and moan. This happens when we see and focus on the negative. It is tempting to think “someone out there” does not want us to succeed. Sometimes we want to run from our circumstances or blame anyone but ourselves. It takes training and discipline to see obstacles differently. 

Another way to see and focus, is on how an obstacle has the potential to strengthen our resourcefulness, self-discipline and build our character. What better way to learn patience, endurance, and perseverance? 

In our world, where instant gratification is so common, we forget to give thanks for the lessons we can learn along the way. Obstacles can be invitations in disguise.

In the spirit of love for the month of February, and this month’s sale of my book, A Little Drop of Love, I offer Henrietta Mears as an example. She had the rare ability to turn what most people consider obstacles into assets. From an early age she had very poor eyesight. One of her brothers was blind. Near the end of high school, doctors told her that if she continued on to university, she would most certainly go blind all together before she completed a four-year degree program.

What was her response? From page 14:

“That quality [curiosity] never weakened; rather, it grew even stronger as she grew older. When asked why she decided to continue her education in spite of the doctors’ counsel, she answered, “If I’m going to be blind, I want something in my head. I’m going to study as hard as I can, as long as I can.” With her usual determination and confidence in God to provide the sufficient grace as he promised, Henrietta went to the University of Minnesota to study chemistry.” 

Henrietta Mears completed her BS in Chemistry in four years. She went on to teach, become a small-town High school Principal, head of the Chemistry Department in a large school system, and teach the Bible regularly. For the remaining twenty-five years of her life, God called her to full time ministry that was even more demanding.

When she was older, and was looking back on her life she said her eyesight was her greatest challenge. She also considered it her greatest asset. Henrietta Mears chose to regularly thank God for her poor eyesight. And she knew it kept her humbly dependent on God every day, rather than her own strength.

No matter who we are or what we face, life is a long journey full of obstacles. We can choose to cooperate with them in ways that discourage and defeat us. Or we can choose to rise to the challenges, with the help of our Creator who knows all about it.(Psalm 139)

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**For the month of February, my book,

 A Little Drop of Love Henrietta Mears, How She Helped Change a Generation and You Can Too,

will be on SALE for the entire month.

Use the code LOVE at check out to receive 50% off from the WipfandStock.com link here & above.

The kindle version will also be reduced to $2.99 above and on Amazon. 

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