To get to the Promise Land, you'll have to navigate your way through the wilderness. We all encounter obstacle, problems, and challenges that cross our path. How we respond to them is one of the most important decisions we make.
Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations?
Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let is grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you'll be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. (James 1:2-4)
A person with twenty difficulties is twice as alive as a person with only ten. If you haven't got any challenges, you should get down on your knees and ask, "Lord, don't you trust me anymore?" So what if you've got problems? That's good! Why? Consistent victories over your problems are like steps on your stairway to success. Be thankful for your obstacles; if they were less difficult, someone with less ability would have your job.
"A successful man will never see the day that does not bring a fresh quota of problems, and the mark of success is to deal with them effectively" (Lauris Norstad). James Bilkey observed, "You will never be the person you can be if pressure, tension and discipline are taken out of your life." Refuse to let yourself become discouraged by temporary setbacks.
You can always tell a lot about a person by the number of challenges it takes to discourage them.
When the water starts to rise, you can too! You can go over, not under. "Obstacles across our path can be spiritual flat tires --- disruptions in our lives seems to be disastrous at the time, but end by redirecting our lives in a meaningful way" (Bernie Siegel).
The truth is, if you find a path with no obstacle, it's probably a path that doesn't led to anywhere important. Adversity is the mother of invention. And our adversity is always God's opportunity.
Adversity gives birth to opportunity. "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33)
"What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude towards it. Every opportunity has a difficulty, and every difficulty has an opportunity" (J. Sid-low Baxter).
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