By Shirley Tarpley
NDG Staff Writer
“For you have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hebrews 10:36 & 37 (KJV)
How do you know when God has placed obstacles in your path to protect you and increase your faith or if Satan is hindering God’s purposes in your situations? When you have reached this roadblock in your life, pray; have faith in God and don’t be stressed out.
The story is told of a businessman who was in California traveling four hours to a speaking engagement when terrible fires had broken out in Southern California and many of the highways were being shut down. The businessman had to detour to a small town and was questioning whether he should turn around and go back. He stopped at a convenience store. A woman pumping gas next to him said the interstate was closed down ahead and if he was going north he would never get there and even if he did get there he would have difficulty getting back.
Suddenly, fear struck the businessman because the thought of being stranded in a strange place wasn’t anything that he had planned on. The businessman quietly prayed, he asked the Lord whether this was a warning for him to turn back or one of Satan’s hindrances. After praying he went into the convenience store to inquire about a road map. While he was standing there another man walked up to him and said, “Where are you trying to go?” He told him of his dilemma. The man explained that the interstate was open just north of where they were and that he had to go to this exact spot and would be glad to guide him there. The man took the businessman through all sorts of side roads in very unfamiliar areas. He admitted that he would never have gotten there by himself, nor would he have made the attempt.
After a time they came to the interstate ramp just above where the fires were. The man waived as he sent the businessman on his way. The businessman arrived at the luncheon on time and gave his speech.
Christians may often look at situations in their lives and wonder if God sent his angel to lead them where to go or if it was a hindrance from Satan. However, remember that immediately after the businessman had prayed at that convenience store, the other man approached him and gave him the answer.
If Christians would ask God when they come upon obstacles He will give them the answer. Looking back on their lives, they can surely see the merciful and awesome presence of Almighty God. He is faithful and He loves His Children. There may have been times that Christians asked God a question and it seemed that He would not answer. But if they trust Him, He will answer and they will have their answer when they need it because God has never failed those that believe in Him.
In these stressful times in our country what Christians can do is pray for the installation of spiritual leaders
to carry out God’s will. Also, they can pray for the leaders that are in power now. God can move in their hearts
and minds to lead them in the right direction to accomplish His purpose. Ask God to forgive us for our
indifference and our sin. Pray that Christians will turn from their wicked ways and rededicate their lives to Him
and His service. God said, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and
seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal
their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)
When Christians come upon roadblocks, the word of God says, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek. He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound, To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn, To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3 (KJV)
It is only when we move past roadblocks and discouragement to praising God that we begin living above our obstacles. Take a stand; ask God to help you increase your faith today. Ask Him to help you understand your roadblocks because with faith in God, you are too blessed to be stressed.
