Obstacle or opportunity?

I saw a sign that prompted some reflection earlier this week.  A real sign, one of those church signs.  I tried to remember what it said, but decided to go back and take a picture instead this afternoon.  This is what it had written on it: "If a path has no obstacles it probably does not lead to anything of value."

Hmm... definitely something to ponder, to reflect, to think upon, to chew on.... at least for me.  My path has had obstacles just this week.  How about yours?  How have you dealt with your obstacles?  Me?  Well, some of them have caused me to stumble for a moment or two; others have become stepping stones.  

We have a choice when we come across an obstacle in our path.  It can simply be an obstacle to us, or it can become an opportunity.  An opportunity for challenge and change; for growth.  It can be a stumbling block or a stepping stone.  I used to use these sets of words quite a bit during college volleyball games that I attended when I taught at Bryan College.  Because I knew the students, I would go to the matches.  And as they played, I would yell out "opportunity" when the going got rough or a player was getting frustrated.  It wasn't as random as it seems.  Usually I had already had conversations with folks and they knew what I meant.  But, do I remember now what I meant? 

I think so.  It's just frustrating to deal with obstacles and defeat, especially when there are several on the path at one time.

It reminds me of a hiking trail my husband and I went on a couple of months back.  Before we made it to the newly constructed ladder to go up to the next level, there were several downed trees blocking the path.  It was definitely an obstacle.  We stopped and took some time to clear the path so that could get through and so that others behind us could get through at some point.  We could have gone around the obstacle, but there was a drop-off on the left and the foliage wasn't very clear.  So, in this instance, it was best to clear the obstacle.

Sometimes we will need to go around the obstacle.  Sometimes we might need to find a way to clear it.  At other times we might seek a way over or through it.  There may even be times when it is best to seek out a different path.  Wisdom and discernment become key in deciding what action to take.

This past week for me, for one obstacle, I've taken steps of prayer and trust.  I came to a point where I was praying the the FFH song, "move or move me." And God did both.  I saw God move and move me. 

Here are the lyrics and a link to that song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ylu9bGdFCm8

"Lord, Move or Move Me"

I can't find the words to pray
I'm a little down today
Can you help me?
Can you hold me?
I feel a million miles away
And I don't know what to say
Can ya here me anyway?
What I need is for you to reach out your hand
You have taught me
No matter what you'd understand

CHORUS:

Lord move in the way, that I've never seen before
Cause there's a mountain in the way and I'll knock on the door
I'm drifting away, waves are crashing on the shore
So Lord move (move), or move me.

END CHORUS

I've look every where to find
A simple peace of mind
I can't find nothing on my own
So I got to leave myself behind
Take up this cross of mine
Give away everything I hold onto

Lord I know the only way is through this
Lord I know I need you to help me do this

CHORUS
Lord move in the way, that I've never seen before
Cause there's a mountain in the way and I'll knock on the door
I'm drifting away, waves are crashing on the shore
So Lord move (move), or move me.

Out of this place of complacency
To a place of fellowship with thee
Cause I am weak but Lord you are so strong
And you know it's been way too long (been way too long)
Lord move in the way, that I've never seen before
Cause there's a mountain in the way and I'll knock on the door
I'm drifting away, waves are crashing on the shore
So Lord move (move)...

CHORUS
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As you come across obstacles on your path, know that they don't have to stop you in your tracks, but rather they can become part of your growth process.  I pray that your obstacles become opportunities and stepping stones along your journey and that you are encouraged to keep moving forward.


~Debra