Ministering: Pastor Shola Awobajo (Senior Pastor).
Text: 2 Cor. 12:1-12.
” 1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”
The goal of the obstacle is to hinder progress but God’s Grace is more than enough to turn every obstacle into a miracle. Do not focus on your weakness but on God Whose Grace turns things around. They may have written you off, but rest in the fact that there is no unpleasant situation His Grace cannot reverse.
Paul said he besought The Lord thrice for his infirmity to be taken away but The Lord responded that His Grace is sufficient. Despite all his anointing. Paul still had an infirmity, so being a Christian does not exempt us from the challenges of life but the joy is that His Grace is sufficient to turn the tide in our favor. The problem is not the problem, it is not setting your focus on The Lord that is the real problem. The reason we do not sink in a storm is because our eyes are steadfast on The Lord.
Obstacles are inherent in every forward movement. There is always a Red Sea to cross to get to your Canaan; hence, we must always go forward circumventing every obstacle on the way.
Obstacles have no respect for your weeping and complaining, they only bow as you keep your gaze on Jesus The Author and Finisher of your Faith.
How Can You Circumvent Any Obstacle?
1. Concentrate on God not the problem.
a. Paul besought The Lord. Seek God in the midst of the problem.
b. God answered Paul when he kept his focus on Him.
2. Dedicate yourself to God. – Luke 1:5-7.
a. Sanctify yourself before The Lord.
3. Concentrate on The Word of God – Josh. 1:8.
In closing, He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Psalm 107:20. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4.
God Bless You!
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