DAY 21 - OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty."

(Zechariah 4:6)

There are two types of obstacles that we may encounter in life – the ones that we train for and those that we face without any training. The obstacles we train for are those that we choose to pursue.  The obstacles that we have not trained for are those that hit us square in the face. What about obstacles that are so hard the word “overcoming” is thrown in front of them? What about those obstacles at work, home, or church that seems so overwhelming that nothing you do seems to work. No matter what kind of obstacle you are overcoming today, know that as a believer, you have the Almighty fighting this obstacle with, in, and among you.

As believers, we have hope in Jesus believing we can overcome the obstacles in life. You are a believer, which means you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). You have the power of God’s spirit living within you. After Jesus died on the cross for you, he did not abandon you so that you had to fend for yourself with the obstacles in your life. He gave us the spirit of God that dwells within us. You see, it is neither by our might nor our own “manpower” that we can overcome obstacles.  It is only by “my Spirit,” the spirit of the Risen Lord, that we can overcome our obstacles. I don’t know what obstacle you are facing, but do you know that the very spirit of God who roamed the earth, guided Jesus on earth, and rose Jesus from the dead, LIVES IN YOU? Go face that obstacle knowing that you are not alone. You have the spirit of the Lord with you, guiding you, and comforting you. Also, know as an IronMaker, you have other IronMakers who are ready to sharpen and train with you in whatever obstacle you are facing.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Know that you have the spirit of God with you! Also, whatever obstacle you are facing, it is never too big that your fellow IronMakers can’t help you handle it. We are not made to carry burdens alone. Share your burdens and your obstacle with someone today.

Prayer:  Come Lord Jesus. In my life Lord, there have been obstacles that we have overcome together. Help me to know that you are with me.  Only by your power, not my power, will I overcome this obstacle.  Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

Kristina Crabtree