4:317 – Removing Obstacles

#faithbites #faithjourney obstacles

Setting

Today’s #faithbites brought to you by the verse of the day. How often do we try to find fault in what other people do? Have you ever withheld information so you can remain in the know and it may slow someone else down? What if we actively worked to smooth out the path for everyone we met? When I think about this it could be anything from helping people access resources more effectively, get a promotion, achieve a goal they are working on, or just be happier. As someone who completed a doctoral degree, it seemed so many obstacles were put in my path to make it harder. Some think it’s ok because you have to “pay your dues”. But why? Just because it was hard on someone else, doesn’t mean it should be hard on you.

Today’s Questions: What do you do to make someone’s path smoother? How can you remove obstacles?

Scripture

Romans 14:13 – Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.

Reflection

Jesus did it when he said any who believe will be saved. Martin Luther did it when he translated the Bible into German. We can do it too. All we have to do is look at any obstacles that we put up that can hinder people. Look at church membership policies? Does it discriminate and put up unnecessary roadblocks from people that are looking for salvation? When you post a job are there prerequisites that really aren’t needed? Do you have artificial or unnecessary expectations for people to enter your life? I’m not saying that you open the flood gates for anything, but truly look and see if these are unnecessary obstacles.

As we close, remember to take an active look at everything in your life. Make sure you are removing unnecessary roadblocks and smoothing the path for those who come after you. Just because it was hard for you, doesn’t mean it has to be hard for them.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you came so that all people can be saved. Help us to be people who bring others to you and strive not to push people away because of unnecessary roadblocks. Let us truly look at the path and remove those stones that we traveled on. Let us be your ambassadors and make it easier and easier for each succeeding generation to find you. In your name, I pray Amen.