Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 HCSB
An obstacle is defined as something that blocks one’s way or prevents or hinders progress. There are times when life just seems like one big obstacle course. As soon as you jump over one hurdle there is another standing in your way. Obstacles come in many forms. They may be in your family or those who you work with or for. They may come in the form of physical illness or emotional distress.
Military and police personnel are often trained using obstacle courses. I must admit that I was never a fan of obstacle courses. Oh, I didn’t mind the daily run at the police academy. I could just get out there and jog along. Just me and my thoughts. But the obstacle course required thought, effort, and team work. The whole purpose of some obstacle courses is team building. They wanted us to learn to work with and rely on the help from our fellow officers. As Christians we need to learn to rely on God’s power and help from fellow Christians.
In our scripture passage today Paul has asked God to remove some physical illness or impairment from him three times. Now none of us know what this is, but he described it as a thorn in his flesh. Some believe that it may have been trouble with his sight. Migraine headaches, malaria and epilepsy have also been suggested. Whatever it was, it was an obstacle. One reason that Paul suggested that God may not remove it from him was that it kept him humble.
The thing about obstacles is that they are put in our way for a reason. We know that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. Our scripture passage tells us that God’s power is perfected in our weakness. When we are weak, He is strong. There is no obstacle in your way that He can’t move or get you over or around or through. Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. So, if you are facing an obstacle that you can’t seem to get over, turn to God. Trust in Him and be willing to submit to Him and do the work He is calling you to do.
We will face three types of obstacles. Romans 8:35-36 speaks of the trials we will face simply from living in a sinful world. But in verse 37 it tells us that we will be victorious in all these things because nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 12:7 Paul describes his impairment as a thorn in the flesh, given to him by a messenger of Satan. We know from reading the book of Job that God allows the devil to inflict a certain amount of suffering upon our lives. But know that God is in control and He will not allow you to be tested beyond what you can handle and He will always provide a way of escape according to 1 Corinthians 10:13. Hebrews 12:6 tells us that the Lord disciplines the one He loves (Proverbs 3:12). If we face trials and tribulations due to the sinful nature of the world, then we must remember that God will take good care of us. He’s got this. If we are facing trials because God is allowing a certain amount of suffering then we must remember there is a reason for His doing so. James 1:2-4 tells us that we should be joyful when going through various kinds of trials because we know that when our faith is tested that it produces steadfastness and steadfastness makes us perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. And always remember that God is a good, good Father. If he is disciplining us, remember it is because He loves us. He wants us to learn from our mistakes. He wants us to grow into better, stronger Christians.
Life is just one big obstacle course. Don’t go it alone, remember teamwork makes it much better. In his sermon yesterday our pastor gave us an acronym for the word team, together everyone accomplishes more. Know that when you face obstacles or hurdles in this life that God is there for you. You are on the winning team. Also, if you have a church family and a pastor, they can assist you through this tough time. You have prayer warriors to intercede on your behalf.
So if you are not on God’s team then draw near to Him and join His team. Know that there is no obstacle that with His help, that you can’t overcome.
Have a great day!