Obstacles are Opportunities
We need some form of resistance in order to grow.
I came across an obstacle the other day in my business. What at first seemed like a simple matter to resolve turned into an issue that required the help of a professional. The issue will in the end cost me time and money. I felt frustrated and annoyed at first. Why can't things just go smoothly? I need to remember that the world doesn't work that way. Things don't always go according to plan. Problems will come my way. I must accept this fact of life. If I don't accept it, I will always be frustrated when something doesn't happen the way I want it to. It is better for me to accept that problems will occur so that I can rise to the occasion to solve them every single time.
In fact, just because we believe in God doesn't mean that things will be smooth-sailing for the rest of our lives. It's not God's job to make things convenient for us. Yes, He will help us through every trial and trouble. But He's not obligated to make things easier for us. He promised to give us wisdom and strength, not a trouble-free life.
When the Israelites were in the wilderness, they continued to have issues with accessing food and water (see Exodus 16-17). God knew that His people needed these essential things to survive. But He lets them experience the scarcity of food and water. Why? I think it's because He's giving them an opportunity to grow their trust in God and reliance on Him. Obstacles are opportunities to grow our faith and character. But instead of trusting God and seeking His will, the Israelites resorted to complaining and desiring to return to slavery (see Exodus 16:3). They missed out on the opportunity to grow their character.
We need some form of resistance in order to grow. Muscles grow when you lift weights because the weights provide some form of resistance. We need obstacles and challenges in life to grow our faith, character, creativity, and wisdom. So, we should see obstacles as opportunities for growth so that we can become stronger as humans and as followers of Christ.
The obstacle I faced in my business was annoying. But I reminded myself that I shouldn't expect everything to go smoothly. I should also see this obstacle as an opportunity to grow my trust in God and my character. So, instead of complaining about the issue, I came to God seeking a solution and asking Him to provide a way to resolve it.
Barnabas the Monastic
Servant of Christ. Husband. Dad. Modern Monastic. I have a wild ambition in life: get as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as I can while on earth. I explore and integrate ancient Christian monk wisdom in modern everyday life. Lives in Canada.
