6.11 Message From The Link - Obstacles

Definition of Obstacle:
Something that impedes, stands in the way of, or holds up progress

Have you ever asked this question?
Are you asking yourself this question a lot right now?
Do you find your friends or family asking these questions?

I go through seasons where I seem to ask this question to myself, to others and to God often. I often get to the point of frustration quickly which leads me to lash out at the situation both internal and externally. In my personal life right now, its towards our house. I often wonder how many projects are going to take 3+ attempts to get done right and how many trips am I going to the store to get supplies. It seems like it won’t end. Regardless of how encouraging people are and how much progress I seem to be making, there are still obstacles that get in the way of completing the project.

Ringing a bell yet?

From a NeighborLink standpoint there are just as many obstacles. They range from the amount of projects there are to do, the situation our recipients are in, the resources required, and the challenge of actually getting a project done. There are so many easy and so many difficult elements of serving another person.

When we start facing obstacle after obstacle that we begin to lose hope that we’ll ever navigate ourselves out of the maze. We often start giving up and conceding because it seems to hard. Unfortunately, we also find ourselves to be the loneliest we’ve been in a long time.

Now I’m starting to sound like a downer.

BUT, I have a sense that this tension we find ourselves in when approaching obstacles is a good thing. I believe it’s precisely where God wants us. It’s precisely these situations when we need His power, Grace and Love to intercede on our behalf. It’s when we need Him.

It’s when we need each other the most.
Acts 2:42 - Fellowship of Believers

Maybe the best way to get over or around obstacles in with the presence of others. Those that know the best way around or those who can hold the ladder so you can climb over it. Even better, those who know how to move it out of the way.

Isn’t it what Jesus promises us? Through Him all things are new?

Matthew 11:28-30
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

I trust many of you find yourselves in these communities and for that, I know you believe deeply in these passages and the power of community. You’ve seen obstacles overcome together. 

All I can ask is that you begin praying for those around you that have not found rest in the yoke of Christ and understand your opportunity and responsibility to release the weight of a practical obstacle for someone else.