Opts Or Obstacles

Scripture

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

~James 1:2, NLT

Quote

When you focus on problems, you get more problems. When you focus on possibilities, you have more opportunities.

~Zig Ziglar

Our troubles and trials are actually opportunities but too often we look on them as obstacles. I must confess that I am quick to spot the cloud but slow to find the silver lining. Every difficult situation is a messenger {angel} from God to teach us and to grow our spiritual stamina. Mountains are majestic but they are also huge and immovable. We can view them as obstacles or opportunities. The mountain can be a path to glory. Moses received the law on a mountain. Jesus was transfigured on a mountain. The mountain gives us a higher perspective of things below. I admit that climbing mountains is difficult but what a view when you reach the top and the air is cleaner and cooler. You take the beach and I’ll take the mountains.

Speaking of the beach, what do you see when you look out over the ocean from a beach or a cruise ship. I see a vast expanse and one that intimidates me. Hey, I am not alone; entire continents have been intimidated by the seas. There was water on every side and they never built a boat. When they looked at the ocean, they thought to themselves, it is impassable; far too big to cross. Thank God for those who dared to build sailing vessels and launch out into the deep unknown. Thank God for men like Columbus. What others saw as an obstacle, he saw as an opportunity.

How would you have liked being in Joshua shoes: he had the delight of following Moses, a legendary figure larger than life. The LORD said to Joshua, Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Three times the LORD said to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” Why would God keep repeating this refrain? Because Joshua had a difficult and intimidating task before him. Christ has not called us to a life of comfort and ease: he calls us to difficult task. Every obstacle that we overcome will eventually become a glorious blessing just as a blister becomes a callous.

EXTRA

It is supposed to be another hot one today and begin cooling some tomorrow. Thank God for electricity and A/C, amen! Just standing at the football field and watching Ryder and Ty for one hour resulted in me be soaking wet. The humidity was unbelievable. Have a great day and thanks for reading the blog.

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