In his book “Holy Sweat” Tim Hansel wrote about what made a person successful. 413 famous and exceptionally gifted people. 392 had went through huge obstacles that they went through before they were famous. For example, the following were the opinions that others had of the following people:
Fred Astair – After his first screen test in 1923, the director wrote the following memo: “Cant act, slightly bald, can dance a little.”
Vince Lombardi – “He possesses minimal football knowledge and lacks motivation.”
Beethoven – “He wont practice on improving his technique. He is hopeless and incompetent as a composer.”
Walt Disney – He was fired from a newspaper for “Lacking ideas.” He found a minister who paid him a small amount to draw advertising pictures for his church. Disney had no place to stay, so the church let him sleep in a mouse-infested garage. One of those mice, which Disney nicknamed Mickey, became famous.
Anyone who made a difference had to overcome obstacles and others opinions. Maybe you are here today facing some big obstacles in your life and you feel like giving up. In Genesis Chapter 37 Joseph dealt with many obstacles on the journey to the dream that God gave him. He undoubtedly felt like giving up many times. He had to make the choice… should he give up, or should he go on!
Here are two truths about the obstacles you are facing:
#1 Just because you are facing an obstacle does not mean that you are not following God.
Along the journey to the dream God has for your life there will be obstacles. You may be feeling down because of the obstacle that is standing in your way. Let me encourage you, God is with even in this trial! You are not alone. Joesph had to feel alone as he was sold into slavery by his brothers, lied on by Potiphar’s wife, and forgotten in prison. These circumstances were not the end for him. These obstacles were all part of the path to purpose!
#2 God has brought you to this obstacle so that He can get all the glory and you will share it with others.
Why did Joseph’s story have all of the twists and turns? Why does our stories feel disjointed at times and we don’t understand God’s plan? God was more focused on the man that Joseph was becoming through the ups and downs then he was just about getting him quickly to the fulfillment of his dream. If he didn’t feel powerless along the way he would not have the patience and humility needed to lead the nation and to save the people of God. God could not put him in a place of leadership in Egypt until he knew he would not kill his brothers that harmed him. God’s whole purpose in calling Joseph out was to save his entire family so that the nation of Israel would be saved during the famine. The future messiah was going to be brought forth from this tribe and Joseph had to have the right heart. When the time was right and he was the second in command in Egypt he had a heart to save his brothers instead of hurting them. This was God’s plan all along. Watch the heart of Joseph when he saved his brothers.
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Genesis 50:20
Let us keep moving forward today! Let’s see God as being in control of it all and even using the obstacles that Stan in our way for His glory. God wants to use you to share His story through the obstacles that you are facing. Don’t face obstacles alone! Connect with others on the journey and be encouraged. If you are not in a small group click here to find a small group today! Don’t give up… Go on!!!
Father, I pray today for anyone that is facing an obstacle and feels like giving up. Give them the strength to trust you in this season. Help them to see you in complete control of everything! Help them choose to not give up on the calling that you have on their life! Help them to go on despite all opposition. In Jesus Name! Amen.
