The Business of Heaven (Part 3): Obstacle-Illusions
Photo Courtesy of Brian Heimann
Mission | opposition
Dating back to the beginning, we see a pattern that emerges over & over again. We see God empower someone with a mission, and we see that person encounter opposition. Adam & Eve provide us with the first illustration of this reality.
In Genesis, we read that God breathed the breath of life into man. He then “took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and care for it.” God invited Adam & Eve into a good place, filled with good fruit, to serve a good purpose. But—
Empowered people encounter opposition.
As we read on, we see satan disguised as a crafty serpent come against Eve & begin to deceive her. And how does he do it? He directs Eve’s attention away from God, away from her calling, and places it on the the one thing that was off-limits. The one fruit that was forbidden.
After being told multiple lies regarding its’ capabilities, she becomes enamored with the fruit. Enamored with the idea that this will somehow give her wisdom beyond what God had given. For a moment, she holds that desire in higher regard than God Himself. And in the moments that follow, she and Adam find themselves convinced out of their God-given calling…
The opposition we face today seeks to rob us in the same way. Whether it’s our spiritual enemy, our sinful state, or otherwise, the attacks inevitably come. And while it’s not something to be afraid of, it is something to be prepared for. It’s a matter that requires wisdom. In Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV), we find the origin of this wisdom:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...”
Fear, in this context, is best understood as an abiding reverential awe. It’s a deep respect & ongoing appreciation for the person & authority of God. An understanding that leaves us awestruck & ultimately empowered by the God who made us.
When you allow Him, God restores this holy sense of fear within you. His Spirit of “power and of love and of a sound mind” is able to lead the way. And though opposition will undoubtedly come against you, you can overcome by—
The Spirit of God within you.
the “one” thing
It’s been stated many times that “fear is a great motivator”. It should come as little surprise, then, that worldly fear can be the one thing that challenges our calling the most. We either possess a fear that fuels our faith, or we possess one that stifles it.
So often in life, our greatest opportunities appear to us as obstacles. They’re like “obstacle-illusions”. They look like a problem, but in reality, they serve a purpose.
Obstacles are invitations for God to build your faith.
Godly fear leads you to seize the moment; worldly fear leads you to shrink from it. Don’t miss the opportunity because you’re fixated on the obstacle. Let God reveal any fear that’s holding you back. Let Him lead you through it. And allow God to deepen your dependence on Him.
1) what you can see
In the Book of Numbers Ch. 1, God tells Moses to send out 12 spies. These men were instructed to spy out the land of Canaan, the land in which God said:
“…I am giving to the people of Israel.” (Numbers 13:2, ESV).
Following a 40-day campaign, the spies return with a report of the land. The majority of the spies (10) brought distressing news to the people of Israel, stating the land was full of “intimidating, giant men”. While the other two spies, Joshua & Caleb, tried to assure everyone of God’s ability to deliver this Promised Land.
Up to this point, the Israelites had witnessed God’s supernatural intervention time & again. And yet, it was Joshua & Caleb who maintained trust in Him. Making them the only two of that generation to experience the fullness of God’s calling & enter the Promised Land.
What set these two apart? It wasn’t that Joshua & Caleb had a vision problem. They saw the same giants the other 10 spies had seen. The difference was—
they never lost sight of god.
The way we frame our circumstances ultimately determines the direction of our calling. That’s why we have to remember:
Our circumstances don’t define our belief in God, our belief in God defines our circumstances.
Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 (MSG): “…Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.” Don’t let fear cause you to forget about God. You can’t control every problem you face, but you can choose the report you give.
What will be the status of your situation? One that only sees obstacles? Or will you choose a faith-based report?
One that sees opportunity.
2) what you can’t see
We never seem to have a problem speculating about things, especially in the form of worst-case scenarios. That’s why a fear of what you can’t see, a fear of the unknown, can inflict great damage.
God loves us enough to not hide the fact that troubles await us. Jesus told us point-blank that “we will have trouble in this world.” The Apostle Paul spoke of the Holy Spirit’s ability to warn us of hardship we may face at certain times. But God’s Truth isn’t a doom-and-gloom warning label.
His truth is Living Word, with the power to encourage & protect us from all forms of fear. Especially those which hang over us like a dark cloud, chronically eroding our sense of peace. Hebrews 13:5-6 (NLT) tell us:
“…For God has said, I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
“So we can say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear…”
How can we live with “no fear”? By embracing the presence of God. Recognizing Jesus as our Advocate, our ever-present help in times of trouble. Resting in His Assurance, knowing that whatever may come, He is incapable of failing you.
In God, you find nothing less than Perfect Love. And in the presence of Perfect Love, “all fear is cast out” (1 John 4:18). Let His love overwhelm you. Let His love take charge. When love leads—
Fear flees.
Don’t accept defeat
If there’s one fear that crushes our calling more than any other, it’s the fear of defeat. In every battle we face, our spiritual enemy wants to discourage us & convince us that there’s no way to win. God’s Word reminds us of our victory—
because the enemy lies constantly.
The enemy wants you to fixate on the debt of your sin, but the price was paid by Jesus. He calls you condemned, but God calls you a conqueror (Romans 8:31, NIV). The enemy tries to put the spotlight on you, but that belongs to Jesus.
“There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Our sin & battles may be great, but God’s grace & love are greater. Our obstacles are opportunities to repent. To turn away from that which brings brings death, and to choose life instead. Don’t accept defeat—
when God’s given you victory.
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today’s Takeaways
Obstacles are invitations for God to build your faith.
When love leads, fear flees.
Don’t accept defeat When God’s Given Victory