OBSTACLES CAN BE OPPORTUNITIES

Centuries ago, a king had a group of his soldiers place a large stone in the middle of a road during the night. They worked in silence, following his orders, because he wanted no one to see them place a sack beneath the stone.

The next day he sat silently in a balcony where no one could see him and watched as the people passed by. All of them looked at the stone, paused a moment, and then walked around it. Some became angry and wanted to know who could possibly have a reason to interrupt their lives with such a horrible inconvenience. Others cursed the stone, thinking that their oaths would make a difference, and the stone would move under its own power.

Finally, an elderly peasant paused, looked at the stone, and then summoned all of his strength and pushed it out of the way. To his surprise, he discovered a purse beneath the stone. When he opened it, he discovered many gold coins and a note from the king. The note read: “Whoever moves this stone is entitled to the coins in this purse.”

God works “in everything,” according to the Apostle Paul, “for our good.” It does not mean that whatever happens to us is “good.” But that “good” will come to us if we fulfill His purpose for our lives as we grow into His likeness.

Prayer:  Give us, Dear Father, the vision to see every obstacle in life as an opportunity to grow into Your likeness. May we face each barrier we face as a gift for our growth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28