Moment With Betty

Have you faced serious obstacles before? Or have you encountered a stumbling block that truly stopped you from achieving your dreams? Life can often throw many unexpected challenges in our path and making progress seemingly impossible.

 Remember the passage in the bible (Mark 2:1-12) which narrated the powerful story about the paralyzed man who was carried by four determined friends to Jesus for healing. This teaches us an important lesson about overcoming obstacles and trusting God’s power and love. We learned that when they arrived at the place where Jesus was teaching, they met a crowded house that hindered their access to Jesus.  Imagine how happy they were before when they heard that Jesus was around and how frustrated they might have felt when they faced an obstacle but, that didn’t stop them.

Today, many of us would have given up at this point, discouraged by the superficially insurmountable obstacle before us. Some of us, at this point, would start speaking against God, talking about how bad our life has been and how God has abandoned us for a long time. Nonetheless, these friends refused to be deterred rather, they embarked on a different path. They brought creativity to bare, persevered and leveraged on teamwork and their unwavering faith. They climbed onto the roof, created an opening and lowered their paralyzed friend right in front of Jesus. This act of determination and ingenuity is a powerful reminder that when we encounter obstacles in our lives, we must not shy away or give up. Instead, we should look for alternative ways to overcome, driven by our faith in God’s providence. 

In the Bible, countless individuals faced obstacles but ultimately triumphed through their faith and reliance on God. In the book of Genesis, we find the story of Joseph, who encountered numerous setbacks throughout his life, including being sold into slavery by his own brothers. However, Joseph never wavered in his trust in God. Despite the many obstacles he faced, he eventually rose to a position of great prominence and power, fulfilling God’s purpose for his life.

One of the most inspiring figures in the Bible who overcame immense obstacles is the apostle Paul. In his letters, he recounts the numerous hardships, persecutions, and imprisonments he endured for the sake of spreading the Gospel. Yet, even in the face of insurmountable challenges, he remained steadfast in his faith, proclaiming, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

 *Obstacles are Not Meant to Defeat Us* Given that obstacles in life are not meant to defeat us but to strengthen our resolve and deepen our faith, when the four friends encountered the crowd, they sought for opportunities instead of allowing the obstacle to swallow them.

Consequently, that obstacle that is stopping you today also has intrinsic possibilities. They provide opportunities for us to grow, to rely on God’s wisdom and guidance, and to witness His miraculous work in our lives. Let us not be discouraged by the challenges we encounter but rather embrace them as opportunities for God to work in and through us.

 Whenever obstacles stand in your way, press on with faith, knowing that with God’s help, all things are possible. *Obstacles Should Never Stop You* 

In our journey through life, we are bound to encounter obstacles that may seem impossible at times. It may make us shed tears, it may also tempt us to lose faith.  Nonetheless, the story of the paralyzed man in Mark 2:1-12 should always remind us that these obstacles should not deter us. As we read in the bible, the obstacle they encountered did not stop them rather it fueled their determination and resolution to rise above the challenge.

Just as the presence of the scribes, who were sitting there, talking against Jesus, criticizing and doubting, Him did not deter Jesus from showing compassion and healing the paralyzed man. This powerful lesson shows us that even the opinions and judgments of others should not hinder us from pursuing what is right and good. We must remain steadfast, knowing that our purpose and calling are not defined by the opinions of others. Therefore, when we face challenges, we need to cultivate an unwavering faith that looks beyond the immediate obstacles and believes in the limitless power of God. Jesus saw the faith of the friends who brought the paralyzed man to Him, He also saw the faith within each one of us. So, no matter how impossible the situation may appear, we must trust that God’s love and power transcend any obstacle we may face.

 The truth is that obstacles are not there to stop us, obstacles test our resolve, push us beyond our comfort zone and illuminate the strength and resilience we possess within. Just as the friends of the paralyzed man demonstrated creativity and perseverance by going through the roof, we too must adopt a mindset that seeks innovative solutions to overcome the obstacles in our lives.

 Remember that Moses overcame his initial reluctance and led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. David also faced the giant Goliath with unwavering confidence in God’s power.

  We read about how Esther risked her life to save her people, despite the obstacles in her way. These stories highlight the tremendous strength and courage that lie within us when we trust in God’s guidance.

 Let us therefore remember that obstacles should not be viewed as roadblocks but as opportunities for God to work in our lives. No obstacle should have the power to stop us from pursuing our dreams, seeking healing, or embracing our calling. With God’s guiding hand, our trust and faith, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way.

 Faith is the key that paves the Way. You have to believe in what you do, how you do it, and where you are going.   Embrace faith, and you will soar above any challenge.