When Obstacles Obscure Your Path, Don’t Give Up! Let God Lead You Through

Which Path Are You On?

Have you noticed that some people seem to go through life with everything falling into place and very little to challenge them, while others seem to have drawn the short stick and endure everything life can throw at them? It seems unjust, unfair, and even cruel at times.

Every person born has a path assigned to them by God and a purpose to fulfill. It is true, some paths are easy, while others appear to be painful, treacherous, and full of obstacles. Which path are you on?

I am one of the people whose path has been difficult since the moment I took my first breath at 25 weeks gestation, before NICUs were created. That was 57 years ago, and in March, my path looked like the photo above. All forward motion ceased as I fought to breathe. A nonstop violent cough sent me to the Emergency Room where I spent the next 46 hours undergoing tests that revealed damage to a portion of my bronchioles (the small tubes that lead into my lungs), and a pocket of pneumonia.

I could not maintain adequate oxygen levels on my own and was placed on oxygen to assist with that. Nebulizers became my friends as they opened the bronchioles every time they started to close. I spent a week in hospital in a small town two hours southwest of here, because the hospital in my city was full and understaffed.

A Blessing in Disguise

It proved to be a blessing in disguise since the doctors here said they would only admit me for two days, if they could find a bed. When you have Cerebral Palsy, you do not recover quickly. At no time was I pressured to leave the other hospital. Instead, the doctor their told me every morning that she would not rush me. The care I received was amazing and I am thankful to God for sending me there. I was able to visit with my cousin every day since she works in that town. I’ve been home for eight days, but I am still dealing with the cough, new meds, and inhalers.

Health comes first

My writing and social media posting came to a grinding halt. I had no control. My health took centre stage and all else faded into the background. Yesterday, was the first day I felt up to opening my computer. I started to work on a few posts while gauging my energy levels and adjusting accordingly. I must exercise patience and determination to find a way through what may or may not be a new normal for me. As I age, that keeps happening like sands shifting under my feet. It’s too much, I cannot do it alone.

I rely on Jesus to guide me through one step at a time. It doesn’t make sense, and the enemy’s whispers and taunts tempt me to stop, sit down, and quit. Thankfully, this isn’t the first time I have faced such things. I’m a seasoned warrior and no longer fall into the traps and pitfalls placed on the path by the enemy who seeks to destroy me. He’s been trying since birth and has yet to succeed, simply because I have learned how to fight… not with earthly weapons, but heavenly ones.

Over the years, I’ve also learned that God is true to His Word. I am never alone; He has never left me nor forsaken me. Yes, my path is difficult, and the obstacles are huge, but He is faithful and always finds a way through for me, even though I may emerge scarred and dealing with another loss of function. His ways are not my ways and neither are His thoughts my thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Onwards… Regardless!

I can’t give up. I can’t quit. I can only move forward with my eyes fixed on the One who sacrificed everything so that I might have life eternal with Him. He has given me stories to tell that will help others navigate and avoid the traps; poems to share that give voice to emotions so deep, they need expression and will resonate with others on similar paths.

Wisdom comes at a cost. It may take me longer to finish these books, but the day will come when I publish them. I trust that God will get my books into the hands of the people who need them. The timing is His; for me, it’s onwards… regardless! It’s a phrase that’s become my life’s motto.

What obstacles are impeding your path today?

I know you are weary and want to rest. I know the way ahead is daunting and feels impossible. God doesn’t reveal the entire path. He wants to build faith within you to the point that it is strong and steadfast regardless of the challenges and obstacles that lay ahead.

Reach out to Jesus and allow Him to guide you. If you do not know Him as your Lord and Saviour, then that’s your first step. Confess your sins and tell Him that you believe that He died on the cross and rose from the dead on the third day. Give your life to Jesus and ask Him to come into your life as your Saviour and Lord. Then tell someone, and seek out a church where you can be baptized and learn from others who are farther along in their walk with the Lord.

When you ask Jesus to guide you, He sends the Holy Spirit to show you the next step. Take it in faith with the assurance that He alone knows your path from beginning to end. He is indeed the Alpha and Omega (the Beginning and the End). He will be glorified through your life as you obey and shine His Light and Love to those around you… one step at a time.