OVERCOME THE OBSTACLES

OVERCOME THE OBSTACLES.

The other day, the expression “Obstacle Course” just popped into my head. And I knew that I had to write about it. So here goes. 
Life is full of all kinds of obstacles and like the Obstacle Course Race, it is important for every participant to scale all their obstacles before they get to the finish line. If they try to avoid obstacles along the way, by moving around them rather than facing them head on and jumping over them or crawling under them, they will be disqualified from the race.
There are some interesting things to note about the Obstacle Course. It is about mostly physical challenges that individuals or teams have to navigate while being tested  for speed, endurance, and agility. However they can be disqualified for any of the following reasons:

If they fail to complete the obstacles correctly,

If they skip obstacles entirely or 

If they go off-course.
I honestly found all this very interesting because in the journey of life most of us tend to run in the opposite direction of obstacles and challenges. Very few would face them head on and overcome them. Yet the truth is that victory is always on the other side of the obstacle. The obstacles are simply tests and once we navigate them correctly we get to move to the next level.
When David the shepherd boy was challenged by the lion and the bear, (while tending his father’s sheep) he did not run away but stood and fought. He won and moved to the next level of facing Goliath, the Philistine giant. And he won yet again. 
Every time we come against obstacles or challenges, rather than become anxious, fearful or filled with panic, we should stand tall, look the obstacle in the face and tackle it head on knowing that the battle is the LORD’S.
One of the definitions of the Cambridge dictionary says that the Obstacle Course is “a series of problems that you have to solve in order to achieve something.”  There you have it again. It is a test. A problem that we have to solve in order to get something. For the children of Israel, their Promised Land (Canaan) was on the other side of obstacles : the Red sea, the wilderness and the Jordan River. Some complained and grumbled and they never got there. Some were disobedient and they never got there. Some were fearful and they never got there. Some were doubtful and could not trust God to do what He said He would do and they also did not get into the promised land.
On a regular and almost on a daily basis, we are faced with all manner of challenges. How do we see them? How do we face them? Do we run away?  Do we trust God to see us through them? Do we start complaining or do we see them as opportunities and stepping stones to the next level?
Dear friends, whether we like it or not , our Christian journey is a race and the ultimate prize is eternal life with and through Chist. Athletes in an Obstacle Course Race do not fixate on the obstacles. They face them, overcome them and move on quickly. They are not remotely distracted by the obstacles. Even in the event where one trips, falls or gets stuck, they get up as quickly as they can and carry on. Through out the race their minds are on the finish line and how they will get there before everyone else. We should do the aame when we face challenges. Have the end of it in mind. Jesus will always see us through. He promised to be with us through the fire and through the waters. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”  Isaiah 43:2 NIV

We must be strong in the LORD and in the power of His might. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 NLT

We must try to see beyond the immediate daily obstacles we face. This is the only way to do this:  “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. and look to Jesus Christ the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2 NLT

LET US OVERCOME OUR OBSTACLES AND MOVE ON TO THE PROMISED LAND. 

OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS ©