Ultra-Christianity: Part 10 – Obstacles
Ok, just passed mile 12 and for the next 26 miles it’s all up and down a bunch of hills and then another 12 miles of relatively flat running to the finish. (note: see elevation chart for the Northface Endurance Challenge Gortex 50 miler at the end of the article). Easier said than done. Although the small hills by themselves are not too impressive, when they are stacked back-to-back in a 50 mile race, they become large obstacles in your way to the finish. It’s amazing how such unimposing little hills, that if you encountered them while taking a walk in the park, you would not think too much about traversing, become daunting obstacles with each step. When faced with various obstacles in life, I am reminded of the following verse:
"The one true God gives me strength; he removes the obstacles in my way." – Psalm 18:32
Ok, just passed mile 12 and for the next 26 miles it’s all up and down a bunch of hills and then another 12 miles of relatively flat running to the finish. (note: see elevation chart for the Northface Endurance Challenge Gortex 50 miler at the end of the article). Easier said than done. Although the small hills by themselves are not too impressive, when they are stacked back-to-back in a 50 mile race, they become large obstacles in your way to the finish. It’s amazing how such unimposing little hills, that if you encountered them while taking a walk in the park, you would not think too much about traversing, become daunting obstacles with each step. When faced with various obstacles in life, I am reminded of the following verse:
"The one true God gives me strength; he removes the obstacles in my way." – Psalm 18:32
Obstacles are present in our lives, there is no getting around that fact. Being Christ-followers do not exempt us from facing obstacles, rather, it gives us the privilege and opportunity to go to our Father for help, guidance, refuge, rescue, and understanding.
While training for this race, there was no shortage of obstacles. Obstacles which were both external as well as internal to me, but I kept going, pressing on. The various obstacles came in the form of the weather, minor injuries, doubt, other people’s negative comments, and so on. Sometimes I felt like stopping. Debating with myself whether the effort and sacrifice was worth it. However, I always went back to the beginning and remembered why I started this effort in the first place. I asked God to teach me something during the training. If I quit now because of the obstacles, what does that teach me? I needed to learn to overcome these obstacles if I wanted to complete the training and ultimately, complete the race. It’s funny that there was opposition from people who were not training for a race (e.g some don’t even run) and for some reason, they don’t even want you to be in the race. Well, following Christ is that way too. You will find plenty of opposition, you don’t need to do anything to find it, it will come to you. If you commit yourself to Christ, you will face opposition and many obstacles.
“Now in fact all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” – 2 Tim 3:12
God taught me to face these obstacles and overcome them through Him, relying on Him.
When running, you observed at least two types of hills that would be considered obstacles: there are those which are short and steep and those which are long and have a slow incline. During a race, both types of hills are formidable obstacles. In previous races, I recall facing both types of hills, and in some races, both kind in the same race. The short and steep type, you can tough it out and with your strength, you can overcome it. It may be a lot of effort, but it is over quick. I find the other type, the long and not so steep, to be more difficult and long suffering. Of course, spiritually, The Lord would not command us to do something or place an obstacle in the way that we are not able to overcome, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
Another lesson I came across regarding obstacles is that being prepared helps to face obstacles. Because the course of the race I entered was practically “in my backyard” (e.g. there was a trail head just ¼ mile from my house), I was fortunate to be able to run the actual race course during my daily training runs. Over the 5-6 months training, I was able to run about 1000 miles on the actually course prior to the race. Because the race was a trail, and I love trail running, I enjoyed the opportunity to “run the trails” as my training. For a section of the race, I knew every bend, hill, creek to jump, distance, land marks, etc. It was comforting to know what was around the bend and how long to the next aid station. In the same way, being spiritually prepared for trials and obstacles that may come your way is extremely important. We have tremendous resource ready for us to apply, only if (as we learned in the last session), we “chose” to do so. How do we become spiritually prepared? Make sure you are faithful and committed to the basics, that is, daily reading and studying the Bible, praying, having devoted quiet time, listening for God, and serving others. As 1 Corinthians states, “God is faithful” and in Psalm 48 and Micah, that He will be there to guide you.
“For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.” – Psalm 48:14
“Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me.” – Micah 7:7-8
Obstacles in our lives most often come in the form of trials. I recall several years ago I was faced with the obstacle of providing for my family after being laid off from work. Our company was downsizing and it decided to layoff the entire division that I happened to be working in. The very first thing that came to my mind when I was told of this news by my employer was this verse from the Book of James:
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and completed, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ” – James 1:2-5
Fortunately, by the grace of God, He appropriately prepared me for such a trial. Just a few weeks earlier, our small home group completed a study in the Book of James entitled “Developing A Faith That Works”. Now it was time to put what was learned into action.
There it was, an opportunity to apply His principles and be obedient to His Word. My wife Mandy and I were willing participants to whatever God had in store for us, all the time remembering our preparation from the study in James; in times of trials:
– Rejoice
– Relax
– Ask for Wisdom
Then after about several months of job searching and seeking His direction, God opened the double doors. He connected me with a business colleague I used to work with who offered me a position with his company beyond what I could have ever imagined. I realized that this time of trial was not about my job, but all about God and His Glory. It was a priceless time of walking with God, relying on Him, trusting Him more than I can even describe. He provided for us during this time and continues to provide for us. We need to trust in Him, rely on Him, seek Him every day for wisdom, direction, His will, and repentance, even in times of trials or facing great obstacles.
When facing obstacles, I am also reminded of the story of the rebuilding of the temple by the Israelites which began with the decree of Cyrus, king of Persia (see. Ezra 1). The Israelites faced great obstacles and opposition over many years along the way. They had their doubts, were stopped, and at times wanted to give up altogether. However, the Lord spoke to Zerubbabel in Zechariah 4, saying:
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, Says the Lord of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’ “ – Zech. 4:6-8
Even great obstacles such as mountains become as plains in the Hand of the Lord! After an obstacle or trial has passed, recognize the Lord’s Hand in your life and remember it in the future. Recall past times of overcoming obstacles. This continually gives God the glory and also is a source of encouragement for you when you are facing future obstacles.
Overcoming obstacles with His strength is another characteristic of Ultra-Christianity.
“The one true God is my mighty refuge; he removes the obstacles in my way.” – 2 Sam. 22:33
Questions on Obstacles:
1) What type of obstacles do you seem to face the most?
2) What do you currently do when faced with an obstacle?
3) How do you spiritually prepare for the “unknown” obstacles that you will face in the future?
4) What is the greatest obstacle the Lord brought you through?
5) Can you recall other obstacles that were overcome in your life?
6) Are you a source of encouragement to others who are facing obstacles in their life?
7) How can you help others who are facing obstacles?
