“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart: I Have overcome the world.” – Jesus
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all” – Paul
What are the obstacles you are facing? For me the obstacles I am facing are coming from different directions. There are the ones that are posed by those around me, the culture, the enemy, the resistance I see as I push forward with the vision that the Lord has put in my heart. There are the obstacles of my flesh where I fail to do what I know I ought to do and obey the Scriptures. The obstacles of what I must deal with by heart and injustice that affects me like the loss of a loved one to early.
How are we handling the obstacles?
Isaiah 26.3&4 states, “You keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.”
I am learning the connection between peace and prayer. Peace is not something I can make happen and manufacture in my own strength. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit that grows as I sit in His presence and engage the Spirit to transform me. Peace comes when I surrender my mind, my emotions, my situations & circumstances before Him and focus on what I know to be true.
Jesus has overcome the world. I am learning that obstacles are the avenue for the Lord to shape my character, to display His glory and to strengthen community. Let us take time to praise God and thank Him for the obstacles that He has allowed to enter as to take away the sting of the enemy. Let us praise God for He has overcome every obstacles and there is nothing that He cannot handle.
Would you take a moment right now to list out some of your current obstacle? Ask the Lord to take each obstacle and turn it into a great opportunity to advance the gospel and therefore the Kingdom of God in your city. Ask the Lord to renew the joy of your heart, to forgive you for any unbelief and doubt, and to increase your faith. May we anticipate the testimonies of what will be as we wrestle in prayer trusting Him.
Just Walking 