I should have known better. It’s not the first time I’ve made this mistake.  You would think after all this time I would have learned my lesson.

I told myself that I would not make this same mistake again. Yet, here I am, guilty again. When will I ever learn?!  I know you’re going to say “how can you be so dumb”? I wonder the same thing too. Absolutely no excuse.

The issue?  An “obstacle” in my life. Not just any obstacle, but a huge obstacle. There was no way around it. I had run out of options and the undesirable outcome was inevitable. There was no sense in remaining optimistic. I had tried everything I could, used every resource I had, knocked on every door I knew, but all to no avail. It was time to face the music.

It seemed apparent to me that this was going to be one of those times when God would not answer my prayers.  I guess I was on my own. Maybe I didn’t deserve to receive the prayer of my anguish. Have you ever felt that way?

Well, I was wrong. I couldn’t see it then. I was too engrossed with the obstacle to remember all of the many times I felt that same sense of panic, fear, disappointment, isolation and abandonment, only to discover later that everything worked out for good. I had survived what I felt at that time was impossible.

I was wrong to think that my life was too insignificant for the God of the universes to take notice. I was wrong to think that I was on my own. I was wrong to think that God had led me in life this far, only to forsake me when the going seemed tough. No ifs, ands or buts…I was wrong.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6, 7

Looking back on my issue, I now know that what I saw as an “obstacle” was really an opportunity for me to move forward in my life. It was not pleasant, but it did produce a deeper maturity and sensitivity in my life. It was not fun, but it was fundamental to finding inner strength I never realized I had.

I would like to think that the next time I come face to face with the mother of all obstacles I will remember that God has my back. I am not in this life alone and God’s plans for my life are stronger than any obstacles that seem to stand in the way.

Like me, God has plans for your life. His plans and purposes for you are stronger than any obstacles you are now facing or will face in this life. Learn from my mistakes and hold onto your faith in God. Anything less than that is just wrong.