God doesn’t always remove obstacles

You see that obstacle in your way? It may not ever get moved, but God will prepare you and strengthen you to get through it.

When going out in a storm, we buy protective gear; gloves, hat, scarf, coat, thermals, boots to protect our feet, etc. Just as we put on protective gear from the elements, we also must seek God to protect us from the storms of life we face. We are his children and when we seek him and ask, he strengthens us to push through and he reveals the way to overcome all obstacles.

On the other side of the red sea, God provided for the Israelites. Through miracles he provided them with; manna (bread) that rained down from heaven, quail (meat) to cook and eat and water which sprung from a rock. He brought them to a place where they could only rely on him to supply for their needs. He showed them that he was the one who could provide for, deliver and free them from the wilderness.

“I have heard the Israelites’ complaints. Now tell them, ‘In the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’” That evening vast numbers of quail flew in and covered the camp. And the next morning the area around the camp was wet with dew. When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground. The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked each other. They had no idea what it was. And Moses told them, “It is the food the Lord has given you to eat.” - Exodus 16:12-15 NLT

When facing an obstacle, do you pray it away? Or do you seek to learn the reason you’re being faced with the storm? Let’s not be so quick to ask for obstacles to be removed. Instead let’s ask God to strengthen us so that we may push through, grow and overcome them. Let’s allow ourselves to see God’s power by allowing him to show up the way he promised he would.

“Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”  - John 8:32

With God, breakthrough and freedom is possible.

We must spend time with him in prayer and in worship so that we may be strengthened, renew our hope and persevere. As our Lord walks us through our storms he will protect us, teach us, and grow us.

Father God,

Thank you for your provision. Father when I have doubts remind me of the way you delivered the Israelites from Egypt. Remind me that you will do the same for me and that you will always protect and provide. Lord, I place my faith and my hope in you. Help us not to rush through our life storms and onstage and to seek to learn the lesson when we are in the valley. Father I know that you sometimes allow us to be in uncomfortable places, so remind us to trust that you are with us in the hard times and that you will provide and get us all through.