Obstacles to Opportunities

Have you ever said that life’s not fair? As a child I used to say that repeatedly to my parents. My dad would respond by informing me that life is never fair, no matter your age. As I grew into adulthood I learned that my dad was right, life’s not fair. But what he didn’t tell me is that the response to the unfair treatment was up to me. I could either become bitter about it or learn how to turn the unfair obstacle into an opportunity.

Having dealt with Multiple Sclerosis for close to 25 years I have encountered many obstacles, especially in the area of my health. In my first years living with the disease I frequently would say life is not fair while facing some obstacle. Rather than looking for a way around it, thru it, or over it, I would sit paralyzed in fear not knowing what to do. Somewhere during the journey I stopped focusing on the obstacle and began to seek God’s plan in the midst of the suffering. Eventually, I came to the place of facing each obstacle with the realization that this was just a way for God to turn the obstacle into an opportunity for Him to teach me, encourage me, or even bless me.

This transition was not quick and was learned while reading the the stories of individuals in the Bible. From Noah to Daniel, Abraham to Paul, or Joseph to Jesus, the Bible is packed full of those who saw their obstacle replaced with an opportunity. 

So, what about you?  How do you respond to those unfair obstacles in your life?  My encouragement to you is to read the Bible and see how God has given opportunities to those facing obstacles. Then move forward in faith that God will do the same and even more for you.