“What is 3R Thursday?”

3R Thursday is a short devotional written by Cole F. Watson that contains Ramblings, Ruminations, and Reflections published most Thursdays to equip Christians with practical theology and Biblical philosophy.

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3R THURSDAY: The Obstacle is NOT the Way

Imagine that you’re hiking along a path.

When suddenly a boulder appears.

You arrive at the boulder—the “obstacle”—and gaze upon its moss-infused granite.

Or a nostalgic analogy for the 90’s kids: remember Snorlax blocking the road?

The mountain top—i.e., your goal, mission, aim—is on the other side of this obstacle.

Now what?

Where does your mind go? How do you solve this problem?

“Is there a way around the boulder?”
“Can I climb over it?”
“Is there another path into the woods and up the mountain?”
“How do I move this sleeping behemoth? Is that what this Poké Flute is for?”

Or

“Guess I have to turn around.”
“This is the end of the path.”
“The boulder is just too big. But at least I made it this far.”
“Guess this is where the game ends. Shucks.”

We encounter metaphorical boulders like this all the time.

The question is how do we respond to these obstacles.

In the book, “The Obstacle is the Way,” author Ryan Holiday argued that the obstacles we encounter in life should not be viewed as impediments but rather as opportunities. Drawing heavily from Stoic philosophy, Holiday advocated that the way we perceive and react to obstacles determines our success in life. By embracing challenges and transforming obstacles into instruments of growth, we can move forward rather than be hindered by these obstacles.

Admittedly, I greatly enjoy Holiday’s writing and philosophical analysis of historical figures. In fact, there have been several times in my life when I encounter a metaphorical boulder and remind myself that the presence of this “obstacle” is indicative of being on the right path. In other words, such obstacles are expected; nothing worth accomplishing comes easy. Hence the clever title, “The Obstacle is the Way.”

But as a Christian, is this the appropriate response to such obstacles? Reassurance that everything is A-OK? Just keep trucking along?

Or does God beckon us to reframe the way we consider such obstacles?

James reminds his readers that trials should produce joy, steadfastness, wisdom, and faith:

When we encounter obstacles—”trials of various kinds”—our faith is being tested, which ultimately leads to wisdom and joy.

In these “trials of various kinds,” we should pray for wisdom, asking in faith that the Lord would provide a means of overcoming these trials.

This is the Christian’s response to such obstacles, a pattern seen throughout the Bible:

• Jehoshaphat’s Prayer for Deliverance (2 Chronicles 20:1-23): Facing a massive invading army, King Jehoshaphat prays earnestly for God's guidance and deliverance. His prayer is a profound act of faith and dependence on God in the face of overwhelming odds.

• Nehemiah’s Prayer for Success (Nehemiah 1:4-11): Upon hearing the distressing news about the ruined state of Jerusalem, Nehemiah prays to God for favor as he prepares to request permission from the Persian king to rebuild the city walls. This prayer highlights his reliance on God for success in a daunting task.

• Hannah’s Prayer for a Son (1 Samuel 1:1-20): In her deep anguish and grief over being childless, Hannah prays fervently to God, promising to dedicate her child to His service if He grants her a son. Her prayer reflects a heartfelt plea for divine intervention when faced with a daunting obstacle.

• David’s Prayer of Deliverance (Psalm 18): King David often prayed during times of distress. Here, he thanks God for deliverance from his enemies and from Saul. This psalm is a comprehensive prayer that praises God for His protection and assistance in overcoming numerous life-threatening situations.

• Jonah’s Prayer from Inside the Fish (Jonah 2:1-10): After being swallowed by a great fish, Jonah prays to God from the belly of the fish. His prayer is a mixture of repentance, gratitude, and acknowledgment of God's deliverance from an overwhelming obstacle.

Time and time again, God’s people are confronted by obstacles. When confronted with such obstacles, the heroes of the faith demonstrate that we should turn to God in earnest prayer.

And most importantly, this is exactly what Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46). Jesus, facing the most gruesome obstacle known to the Romans, begged God for deliverance:

This pattern demonstrates that the obstacle is not the way; it’s our reminder to pray.

Christian, you will experience obstacles this week. And, yes, perhaps that means you’re on the right path like Nehemiah. Or perhaps that means you’re running away from God like Jonah.

Either way, the obstacle is your reminder to pray. Nothing is too big for God and more importantly, nothing is too small for God either.

When we reframe the obstacles in our lives as reminders to pray, then ultimately we properly situate ourselves before God: in reverent and absolute dependence on Him.

And wouldn’t you know it? God answers prayers.

Perhaps it’s a way around the boulder.

Perhaps it’s another path altogether.

Perhaps it’s simply a matter of time for you to spiritually grow and step over the now pebble-size boulder. Or use better leverage to move the boulder off of the path.

Wherever the Lord has you now, I encourage you to see the obstacles in your life as reminders to pray. And by doing so, you’ll find yourself praying much more often throughout the day.

Hope you have a blessed week.

See you next Thursday,
CFW

P.S. If this encouraged you, please share with a friend.