WORD OF THE WEEK -OBSTACLES

DEFINITION: An obstacle is anything that blocks progress, makes movement difficult, or stands in the way of achieving a goal.
Scriptures:


Psalm 66:10 - “10For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.”1 John 2:9 — “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.”Proverbs 25:19 — “Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.”

Website:  www.wow-newton.com

Website: www.wow-newton.com
Email:  osnewton@wow-newton.com

Transcript

How exciting it is when our listeners and readers share their experiences. My dear Sis. A.D. said she loved the segment on “Purpose.” She believes it’s important to remember that what we do today can influence the outcome of tomorrow. Her daily prayer—“Lord, help me remember that nothing is going to happen today that You and I together can’t handle”—brings her into peaceful connection with God. Her affirmation opens the way for the Holy Spirit to guide her as she walks in purpose. That gives her power not only to perceive obstacles, but to help remove them before they even become reality.
Which brings us to the next word in our series “OBSTACLE” —A word helps to  answer a difficult question:
“Why does God allow difficult, unreasonable people to hinder what He has called me to do?”
Listen: An effective test doesn’t just measure knowledge—it challenges beliefs and helps perfect us. Can you imagine a physical, emotional, or spiritual test you know you’d fail? Can you describe the kind of person who could make you question your faith or lose your spiritual composure? If so, you’ve already identified the obstacles standing in the way of your spiritual maturity.
When you’re working to live your purpose, you’ll encounter others on a similar journey. Some may be as smart, focused, skillful, self-righteous, and undeniable as you. Others may be selfish, ruthless, loveless, and covetous. Yet all of them have been placed in your life during a season when you are striving to honor God.
They say and do things that tempt you to hinder your witness for Christ. They get on your last nerve. Nothing you say or do seems to agree with them, and they constantly try to change your direction, your purpose, and your mind.They are so wrong…Or are they?• What if the person who frustrates you most is the one God is using to refine your patience?• What if the one who challenges your every word is sharpening your ability to speak truth with grace?• What if the one who blocks your path is actually revealing the strength of your commitment to walk in purpose?
Have you noticed that our greatest challenge is often the person most like us? Could God be allowing us to see how we impact others—by reflecting our image back to us through someone else’s behavior?
God doesn’t just test us with silence or solitude. He tests us through people—people who don’t agree with us, don’t affirm us, and aren’t easy to love. But before we ask God to move them out of our way, we should ask:“What is God trying to build in me through them?”
God’s tests reveal whether we are truly walking in the Spirit or reacting in the flesh. Difficult people don’t stop the fulfillment of your purpose. But, disobedience, distraction, refusal to grow, and choosing your own way do.
Obstacles—especially human ones—are instruments. They shape us, stretch us, and expose the places where our faith, love, and compassion still need to grow.
Remember: Jesus fulfilled His purpose while surrounded by zealots, critics, scholars, rulers, deceivers, and throngs of needy people. How grateful we are that He never wavered in His divine assignment—to love and die for the salvation of humanity.
I invite you to reflect on this:• Who has God placed in your life that tests your character?• What situation has exposed your weakness but also revealed your need for grace?
Share your thoughts with me at osnewton@wow-newton.com. Your insight may be the very encouragement someone else needs.Let us walk through this test together.Let us see what God is revealing—through the obstacle, and beyond it.