Overcoming Obstacles
from www.PositiveChristianity.net
My friends, I ask you—what sea has no waves? What land has no rain? What human has no problems? The important thing about any problem in life is not just the solution, but the strength we gain in finding that solution.
If you look around your city, you’ll find many beautiful things: the wood, the metal, the lights. All have achieved their form and usefulness by going through pressure and transformation. They were shaped by fire, hammered into form, and refined through trial.
The vibrant colors around you were created by dyes placed under pressure. The fabrics in your home were woven through a repetitive, trying process to create beauty and strength. The wood in your furniture came from trees that withstood wind, rain, hail, and disease. Even after being cut down, it was carved and shaped into something useful and lasting.
But the most important creation formed through pressure isn’t a thing—it’s you. If you are alive, you’ve gone through “fire.” You’ve carried heavy burdens. But you pulled through. You’re stronger because of it. You are greater now than you were before.
There’s a story of a man visiting a pottery plant. He saw two similar vases. One had a perfect design; the other’s design was blurred. He asked the difference. The proprietor replied, “One has taken the fire.”
Another story comes from beekeeping. When a young bee is ready to emerge from its wax-sealed cell, it struggles mightily to break free. To an observer, the struggle seems cruel. But it’s essential. In fighting its way out, the bee removes a membrane from its wings. Without the struggle, it would never fly—and would die shortly after. If you were to “help” the bee by easing its path, you would be taking away its ability to survive.
In the same way, struggle in our lives isn't a punishment—it’s often preparation. It removes the things that hold us back and equips us to soar. I give thanks for challenges. We must act for ourselves. The easiest path may not be the best one. Without struggles, we would remain weak and never realize the greatness within us.
Because we must reach and strive, we grow. And in that striving, we discover something powerful: the struggle, while real, is not impossible.
We don’t have to face anything alone. Whatever problems you face, they begin to fade the moment you stop running from them. As you stand firm and move forward, the challenge begins to lose its power. Every hard experience can be used to awaken a greater strength and purpose in you.
The pessimist says, “I could make a better world, but what can I do?”
The optimist declares, “Go for it—that’s why you’re here!”
Suffering may feel overwhelming, but it never gets the final word. Just because you’re hurting now doesn’t mean you’ve been abandoned. You are not alone. Whatever you’re facing today, even if it feels like a setback, trust that you will rise. You will use it, and it will be transformed for your ultimate good.
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POSITIVE DAILY PRAYER:
I pray I am lifted up and find my solution.
Help me to become strong and stay strong.
Pressure does not ruin me.
Suffering will never have the last word in my life.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember:
I am never alone.
POSITIVE DAILY AFFIRMATIONS:
I have strength to meet any challenge!
POSITIVE DAILY QUOTE:
"Weak people talk and do not act, strong people act and keep quiet." - Eliphas Levi