Anticipate Obstacles {Dare to DREAM}

Life is full of obstacles—but we belong to the Obstacle Solver, the Obstacle Remover, the One who calls us forward to faith and confidence in Him as we follow His purposes for our lives. There are no smooth paths to God’s best and no dream happens without difficulties.Two hundred years ago, William Lloyd Garrison grew up believing that slavery was a detestable offense against God and humanity. He dreamed what must have seemed an impossible dream: that one day slavery would be eliminated from America.In England, William Wilberforce had the same dream. Both Garrison and Wilberforce faced hostility and condemnation for their convictions, but their commitment inspired others to share their passion. Ultimately, this seemingly impossible dream was accomplished.

Did they face obstacles? Absolutely!

More recently Adrianne Haslet-Davis, a professional ballroom dancer who lost her lower leg in the Boston Marathon bombing, performed at a TED conference in Vancouver, Canada. Later this year, she will also participate in Dancing with the Stars. Did she have to overcome pain, physical set-backs and battle discouragement as she worked to accomplish her dream? Of course!

The same is true when God gives you a dream.

Here’s a reality check: Any time you dream about doing something new, or have a God-given restless desire for more, or know that some aspect of your life must change, you will face obstacles. This is nothing new.Struggles and disappointments happen. They are ways God shapes and strengthens your faith, purifies your longing, and develops a perseverance that keeps you running the race set before you (Hebrews 12:1-3).Scripture is full of instruction and inspiring examples about what to expect when we follow God’s call. Here are a few. Notice what it took:

• Exodus 3-13: Moses was called to command Pharaoh to let God’s people go—but it didn’t happen quickly or easily.

It took: constant dependence on God, listening, and patient persistence.

• Joshua 1:2: Joshua was told to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses died. Success ultimately came because Joshua checked every step with God’s Word and was careful to do everything in it (Joshua 1:7-8).

It took: constant courage, determination, and unwavering focus on God’s promises.

• Ruth 1-2: When Ruth had the opportunity to go back to all that was familiar, she made the decision to step into the unfamiliar and take a risk. God often works this way—drawing us by His Spirit to something new and giving the desire to take a step towards something unknown.

It took: A willingness to say YES to the unknown, sensitivity to the drawing of God’s Spirit, and a trusting heart that sees obstacles but still moves forward.The presence of obstacles does not mean God is saying NO to your dream. Moses, Joshua, Ruth, and many others encountered numerous discouragements, but they overcame them by their very real trust in a very real God.In my blog posts this month, we’ll look at external obstacles such as time, money, people etc., as well as the internal obstacles many of us battle with: our self-talk, fear, and doubts.

Let's Talk: How are you viewing the obstacles before you? As impossible barriers to your dreams, or as opportunities to overcome through God’s enabling power and direction? Never forget, God is at work in you—you are not walking through this life alone. If you have any questions, be sure and email me or comment below. (If you are an email subscriber and want to comment on the actual post, click here to visit the blog and leave a comment.)

This post is part of my Daring to DREAM series. Click here to view all the posts in this series.

Tweetables:"Life is full of obstacles—but we belong to the Obstacle Solver, the Obstacle Remover: http://wp.me/p2JdPr-Rs @Choose2Grow #DaretoDREAM" - Click here to tweet this."The presence of obstacles does not mean God is saying NO to your dream. The next step in the #DaretoDREAM series: http://wp.me/p2JdPr-Rs" - Click here to tweet this. This article originally appeared in April's issue of Thrive, my free monthly newsletter. If you liked this article, you may want to sign up for Thrive to receive future issues with more articles like this one! Click here to sign up for Thrive.Poppy SmithInternational speaker, multi-published author, Bible teacher, and spiritual coachInspiring Women to Thrive! Permission to use this article is granted provided the following credit is fully included.Poppy Smith is funny, warm, and passionate about helping women grow spiritually and personally so they experience the love and power of Christ in life’s ups and downs. A former teaching leader with Bible Study Fellowship, Poppy has a Masters in Spiritual Formation and ministers extensively as a retreat and conference speaker both in the US and around the world. For more information about Poppy’s heart, her books and ministry, please visit her website at www.poppysmith.com.