Facing our obstacles

By Charles Christian

I once participated in an exercise among pastors where someone asked, “If money were no issue, what would your church do in the coming year?”

Of course, one pastor (not me) could not resist a reply. “If money were not an issue, we probably wouldn’t be at this seminar trying to figure out how to grow without money!”

Thankfully, even the presenter joined us in laughter. His goal was to try to get us to dream big, but he recognized that when it comes to dreaming big, there are always obstacles. The big question seems to be, what exactly is in the way of our doing what we hope to do? Perhaps success in anything starts with being honest about the obstacles and limitations. Only then can we either plan around them or devise a way to overcome them.

When we read the Book of Psalms in the Bible, we see honesty about real and potential obstacles. Often, the writers cry out to God and even complain about an obstacle that is restricting them in some way. Sometimes the obstacles are life-threatening.

However, even in the darkest times and in the middle of the most desperate cries, the confidence that God is present and is listening seems to bring peace, even before an obstacle is overcome. In Psalm 73, for example, the writer begins by complaining to God that it seems to do no good to live righteously.

The writer says, “They (the wicked) have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills” (Psalm 73:4-5).

Of course, this is not exactly the case, but at the moment, the writer is so frustrated by obstacles in his own life, and by those who are his opposition, that he feels this way. I am glad that God allows this kind of conversation to go on unfiltered. It shows me — and all of us — that God is big enough and kind enough to listen to complaints and to hear us in our times of frustration.

The psalm ends on an upbeat note, though. It is as if just being able to be honest with God about the obstacles and frustrations frees the writer up to be at peace, to regain his faith and to move ahead toward whatever obstacles are in his way. In fact, the psalm ends this way: “Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds” (Psalm 73:27-28).

God invites honest complaints. God gives us faith to move ahead, even when our obstacles slow us down. So, whatever is in your way, today would be a great day to bring it to God and see what kind of peace God can provide.