Obstacles or Opportunities

(By Helen Grace Lescheid)

(Sept. 2005, 3 minutes)

Scripture: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

I was standing in the Old Growth Forest near Nelson, British columbia, staring at a most extra-ordinary pine tree. The base of the tree rested on a huge boulder like a giant sitting on a chair. A brown cloak covered either side of the rock. Like a grinning champion, after a noble fight, the tree sat at ease on top of its enemy.
I laughed at the tree’s audacity.

I imagined the fight, Many years ago, at the edge of a boulder, like a menacing mountain, a small seed sprouted in the ground. What chance did it have to grow up? Still, it pushed its’ way through the ground. As it grew in size it kept bumping into a rocky wall, a constant reminder of its unyielding, ornery neighbor. If it had been like us, it might have grumbled, “What did I do to deserve this? I can’t even stretch and grow like other pine trees around me.” But it kept growing and reaching and stretching. Then it did the only sensible thing: it climbed on top of the boulder. Thus elevated, it continued to grow, perfectly straight, with the rest of the trees.

Now, seeing it’s magnificent shape, it seemed to be saying, “if you can’t move it or tunnel through it, use it to your advantage. Turn a stumbling stone into a stepping stone.”

What is keeping you from becoming the person you want to be? Do you blame it on a boulder in your life? A traumatic childhood that’s decimated your self-worth? A difficult person at work? A complicated marriage? Financial problems?

Instead of blaming, embrace the boulder as part of “the plan”. Start thanking God for this difficulty in your life, for obstacles are really opportunities to see God at work.

Obstacles can either block your way or raise you higher. It depends on you.

Prayer: Father, I thank you that in all things you work for the good of those who trust you. Give me the strength and wisdom and patience to conquer this boulder in my life so that all may see your overcoming power in my life. Amen.

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