What stands between us?

I love being able to reflect on both the wisdom of Scriptures and the insights of those 'saints' who have gone before us. Today's quote, which comes from Catherine Doherty, challenges us to ask if there is anything that stands between ourselves and God.

"Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves... What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment's hesitation."

In fact, she goes even deeper to ask the next question: Are there obstacles between ourselves and those around us? You see I think we sometimes forget that in choosing to love God, we are also choosing to love our neighbours too. This is the harder part! 

Remember John's words:

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." - 1 John 4:11-12

Living in Grace

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Stumbling blocks

^"We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited." - 2 Corinthians 6:3

It is hard to believe sometimes, but there are some Christians who don't like to see other believers doing good things. There is a sense of jealousy that raises it's ugly head and this often stems from pride. We should never try and put stumbling blocks in the way of fellow believers - there are enough obstacles and enemies in the world, without turning on each other.

Living in Grace
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Obstacles defeated

When we place our TRUST in the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ we know that He will help us overcome any obstacle that we encounter. This DOESN'T mean that we will never confront obstacles, but it reassures us that WHEN we do, God will help us navigate our way around/over them.

What obstacle are you facing today? Have you given up already or will you hold onto the belief that God can help you through this tough time?

"But Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Yes—and if you embrace this kingdom life and don’t doubt God, you’ll not only do minor feats like I did to the fig tree, but also triumph over huge obstacles. This mountain, for instance, you’ll tell, ‘Go jump in the lake,’ and it will jump. Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God.” - Matthew 21:21-22 (MSG)

Isaiah 26:7 - "But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them."


Living in Grace
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Greater heights

"The love of Christ compels us to do what we never thought we could do and go to heights we never thought we could reach." - Max Lucado

May the love of Christ move us to reach for the impossible and to climb mountains we thought unconquerable.

Isaiah 2:2 - "In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it."

Living in Grace
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Obstacles

 
Life is filled with obstacles. Even the week that lies ahead of us will present a fair share of obstacles - the challenge will be how we deal with these. Will we trust God to help us overcome them or will we rely on our own efforts and strength?
  

• Isaiah 57:14 - And it will be said: ‘Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.’

 "Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome." - Booker T. Washington

"Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." - Michael Jordan

May God guide you and help you to overcome your obstacles this week.

Living in Grace
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Obstacles or NO

When we face obstacles in our lives one of the hardest things to discern is, whether this is God's answer of 'No' or whether this is just an obstacle to grow our faith. Each situation is different and should be prayed about separately, but we should recognise that God can say 'WAIT' or even 'NO.'
He may have put an obstacle in our way for a very good reason.

In my devotion this morning, the Our Daily Bread included the story of Balaam (Numbers 22) and this great quote:

"Balaam's story teaches us that not every obstacle is meant to be overcome. Some are placed by God to keep us from doing something foolish. When our plans are hindered, we shouldn't assume that it is satan trying to stop us. IT MIGHT BE GOD TRYING TO PROTECT US."

Pray for wisdom, my friends.

Living in Grace
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