Submitted by David Miller
“Therefore, since we are
surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that
hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance
the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter
of faith. For the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured
such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
(Hebrews 1: 1-3)
After
careful research and analysis, I have come to a profound conclusion. Are you ready for it? Life is an obstacle course. (Ok, maybe that
wasn’t as profound as I thought).
However, the interesting thing about obstacle courses is that they are
meant to be completed. They are not designed for failure but for success.
Challenging? Yes. Impossible? No.
Think
about it. Athletes train and practice.
They learn to overcome each obstacle, each obstacle being different in some
way. No doubt each that trains on an obstacle course reaches seemingly
impossible challenges. And I am sure that they have a coach who encourages
them, saying, “You can do this, you will learn how to conquer this.”
The
more I look at the events in my life, I realize that each event has challenged
me to grow and learn and overcome. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? God assures us
that no, nothing is impossible with Him. Jesus reminds us, “37 For
nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 (ESV)
So,
as new obstacles enter our lives, we can be assured that they are not placed in
front of us in order to defeat us, but rather to challenge us to be stretched
and learn.
Remember
that our coach, who happens to be the creator of the course of our lives, is
the one who is cheering us on, knowing we will learn and grow and one day,
complete the race in victory. It is He who grants us the ability to persevere
and finally reach the finish line.
The
next time you encounter a seemingly impossible obstacle remember that no matter
what it is, God is there cheering you on, encouraging you, and strengthening
you so that you will face that challenge victoriously. We might temporarily
falter, or feel we will fail, but God did not design us for failure. He
designed us for success in the obstacle course we call life.
And
at the end? A loving “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of the Lord.”
