Climbing HigherSample

During our hike, we stopped to eat a snack on a small bench covered with names of those who had walked the same trail before us. In the distance, we saw a small tree with a bright yellow snake on a branch. I asked my daughter if she saw it, and she immediately got scared. I reassured her that the snake posed no threat to us. It was in its natural habitat, minding its own business, and so were we!

Obstacles are inevitable. If I had let fear take over for one second and my daughter saw me scared, we wouldn’t have made it up that mountain. The snake we encountered never bothered me, mostly because it was far enough away for me to see it without panic.

Obstacles only have the power we give them. When we face challenges with faith, they become growth opportunities. Reframe your thoughts and trust that God is with you, even amid difficulties. As it is written in James 1:2-4 (NIV), "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Remember, God is with us through every obstacle. He provides the strength we need to persevere and grow. Trust in Him, and let your faith turn challenges into stepping stones towards a stronger, more resilient you.

Identify one obstacle in your life today. Pray and ask God to help you see it from His perspective. Write down one positive thing this obstacle could be teaching you.