I have a tendency to choose the easy road. I like the sure thing, the path of least resistance, the ability to determine success before the first move has been made. I gravitate toward tasks that are easy for me or that come naturally, the ones that require little planning or risk. I like to win.
But at the end of the day, the things in my life that I’ve been the most proud of, and the experiences that have shaped me into the woman I’ve become have not been the easy things. They’ve been the moments where I’ve overcome an obstacle in the path and emerged on the other side a stronger woman.
When it comes to my faith it’s been the difficult moments that have brought me closer to God, deeper into the Word, and more dependent on prayer. In my every day, wake up & get to work life, I’m not naturally inclined to seek God in every moment. But when I’m facing one of life’s challenges – a loss, a trial, a struggle, a failure, a need – those are the moments that remind me that I can’t do any of this on my own. And as God brings me out the other side of it and helps me keep my feet from staying in that pit, I learn to lean on Him in those ordinary days a little more. It strengthens my prayer life and gives me extra motivation to get in and stay in the Word.
When it comes to fitness, it’s finally hitting a goal, or overcoming something I thought I couldn’t do – those are the moments that keep me going. It’s never the times when my jeans fit the way I want them to, but the times when I don’t give up on myself simply because it’s hard. It’s the months down the road when I really CAN do a push-up when I never thought I could, or the opportunity from God to share my story to encourage someone else.
We are stronger because of the obstacles – not in spite of them.
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Oh wow that is so true! We are stronger because of our obstacles and I can look back and see how many of the obstacles in my life have shaped the person I am today. Thank you for this reminder and perspective shift this morning!