This is a reminder that when you face obstacles, they might just be a good sign that you have done the right thing. If you’re feeling discouraged because your situation doesn’t seem to be changing, remember that obstacles are always a necessary part of growth. By the time you’re done reading, you will leave feeling encouraged and ready to take on whatever obstacle is in your way. I want to share 3 lessons that I’ve learned from facing and overcoming obstacles over the past few years.

Lesson 1: Obstacles are not in the way, they are the way

The only way to accomplish anything great is to move through obstacles. They're not optional on the journey to success, they're necessary. When God showed His people the promised land, only 2 of the 12 spies that scouted the land saw the opportunity - the other 10 feared the obstacle that stood in their way.

When you can shift from fearing obstacles to welcoming them, you’ll have a completely different outlook on your situation.

Lesson 2: God uses tough times to build tough people 

Character is rarely strengthened in good times, it's the challenges of life that bring out the best in you. You’ve survived 100% of the situations you’ve faced in life so far, so there is no need to fear the unknown. God raised up leaders in some of the most challenging times of famine, war, oppression, and when facing life or death situations. 

If you want to be the type of leader that is made for tough times, then it requires going through tough situations that will challenge you.

Lesson 3: Obstacles are more about the inside than the outside 

What's happening in your circumstances is not what matters. Your circumstances and obstacles are only the vehicle to see transformation on the inside. If you focus too much on your circumstances, you’ll lose sight of all the growth that’s happening behind the scenes. The Bible tells us to see with our hearts, not our eyes - For we walk by faith, not by sight - 2 Corinthians 5:7. 

Don’t get so caught up on how things look on the outside that you lose sight of what matters the most - what’s happening on the inside.