Not all obstacles are bad. In fact, an opportunity’s favorite disguise is an obstacle. You will always meet obstacles on the road to your answer. The fight is good; it is proof that you haven’t quit and are still alive.
No one is immune to problems. Even the lion has to fight off flies. The apostle Paul said it best when he wrote, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed, and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.”
Being a diligent person does not remove you from the world and its problems; rather, it positions you to live in it productively and victoriously. Good news for you! In the midst of every trial, there is growth and promotion for you. Each challenge provides an opportunity to grow, not die.
Obstacles can temporarily detour you, but only you can make you stop. Your struggle may be lasting, but it is not everlasting. It’s wrong to think that there’s nothing more permanent than this temporary situation. Obstacles will reveal what you truly believe and who you really are. They introduce you to yourself. You will find out what you honestly believe in the face of a problem.
As I’ve traveled, I’ve always noticed that no matter how cloudy it is when a plane takes off, above the clouds the sun always shines. Look up! It’s not the “out look” but the “up look” that counts.
Your life will be much more productive if you just understand that obstacles are a part of life. If you want your place in the sun, you’ll have to expect some blisters. Studs Terkel said, “Face the music and someday you may lead the band.” The difference between iron and steel is fire, but the fire-tried steel is worth it.
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing Group
John Mason is an international bestselling author, minister, publisher, executive author coach, and noted speaker. He’s the founder and president of Insight International and Insight Publishing Group. Both organizations are dedicated to helping people reach their dreams and fulfill their God-given destinies.
He has authored thirty-two books including An Enemy Called Average, You’re Born An Original—Don’t Die A Copy, Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop, and Know Your Limits Then Ignore Them which have sold over 2 million copies and are translated into 40 different languages throughout the world. His books are widely regarded as a source of godly wisdom, scriptural motivation, and practical principles. His writings have been published twice in Reader’s Digest along with numerous other national and international publications. Seven of his books have reached number one on Amazon bestseller lists.
He’s been the president of two Christian publishing companies. He’s also a former Vice President and Publisher for Thomas Nelson Publishers (Harper Collins), the 6th largest book publisher in the world and largest Christian publisher.
He’s an internationally recognized executive author coach, helping numerous prominent authors with their books for more than thirty years. Politicians, NBA, NFL, PGA, MLB, an Olympic gold medalist and other professional athletes, billionaires, businesspeople, pastors, ministers, New York Times bestselling authors, a Fortune 500 CEO, Navy SEALs, Top Gun pilots, and a Texas governor have all benefitted from his knowledge.
Known for his quick wit, powerful thoughts, and insightful ideas, he is a popular speaker across the US and around the world.