obstacles

Closed Doors

May 22, 2013 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. (NIV) Acts 16:6-7

Imagine Paul’s disappointment. After visiting the churches that he had founded in Asia Minor, he tries to enter new territory. But God closes the door. Everything had been going so smoothly and suddenly the opportunities to preach the Gospel end. I imagine that Paul was not only disappointed but also discouraged and confused. And yet, he trusted God.

Isn’t it comforting to know that even the great apostle Paul was not always clear with God’s will for his ministry! How do you feel when you believe that you’re following God’s will and suddenly God blocks your way? Do you pursue another direction, still believing that it’s His will and again God won’t let your go that way either? What is your reaction?

As with Paul, wait on God and watch Him work!

Give Me a Fresh Touch of Your Presence

May 17, 2013 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (NIV) Acts 4:31

A prayer inspired by those in the early church who lived their faith:

Lord, I want to be like the early men and women that I read about who made an eternal difference for You. I want to speak out boldly, convincingly, and authoritatively for You. I want to face crises in life and insurmountable obstacles with a courage, determination, and power that I never knew I had. I want to cheerfully face persecution and suffering as Jesus did. . . and even accept death with a prayer of forgiveness on my lips. I want to graciously give to others, serving them joyfully. I want to celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection. I want to be an arbitrator of differences and bring about peace. I want to be a spokesperson, an ambassador, a messenger for You. I want to know where to go and where not to go. I want to know what to do and say, and what not to do and say. I want to make an eternal difference for You and Your Kingdom. Amen

The Race Is On!

August 10, 2012 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (NIV) Hebrews 12:1

Who are these witnesses? They are our encouragers, those who have gone before us who have had an experiential knowledge of the faith. Their type of faith honors God. They are the great men and women of faith that are written about in Hebrews 11. These are the great heroes of the past that say to us today, “I made it, you can too.”

Men like . . .

Noah, who warned the people that God’s judgment was coming. In holy fear he built an ark to save his family. Noah would say, “Be bold, speak the Truth in love.”

Abraham, who was called to go to a place that he would later receive as his inheritance. He obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going! Abraham would say, “Trust God even when you can not see the way.” Or he would tell us “Believe God will do the impossible.” Abraham should know. God enabled him to become a father at 100 years old.

Joseph, who when circumstances did not look like they would ever get better, would tell us, “Believe God will work all things out for His purposes.”

Moses would tell us when we are tired and weary, “Persevere. Look to God. Look ahead to His promises.”

Joshua was confronted with leading a people in a way that defied all logic. Joshua would say, “God is true to His Word. Trust Him and watch Him work in incredible ways.”

Hebrews 11 tells us about men and women who were all commended for their faith. Now they have been “ushered” off the track and into the stands, figuratively cheering you and me on. Their stories encourage us. In this case, they have already received their “trophy.” They have finished the race. These great men and women of the faith are the spectators so to speak.

Now it is our turn to carry on the tradition of enduring faith. Christianity is not a spectator sport. It is the active participants who receive the trophy, not the spectators. How are you running the race?

obstacles

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