Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.—Proverbs 4:13

In April of 2011, a line of deadly tornadoes ripped across the state of Alabama, leaving some 250 people dead in its wake. Near Wellington, Alabama, the Hardy family realized the storm was coming too late to find a permanent shelter. They considered trying to take shelter in a metal clubhouse, but it had already been turned on its side by the strong winds. So in desperation, they took shelter in a small stand of trees. They tied a rope around the children and huddled around them in the trees as the storm passed. A family member said that while they had been scratched by flying dirt and debris, none suffered any serious injuries.

Imagine how tightly you would cling to the trees and rope in such a situation. Knowing that your life or the life of your child might depend on your grip would give you all the motivation you needed to hang on with every ounce of power you could muster!

Although there are no warning sirens or news alerts, each of us is living in the path of destructive storms. There are temptations and destructive philosophies abounding around us, and if we do not have a secure place of protection, we will be destroyed.

Because the Word of God is so readily available to us, we often take it for granted rather than treasuring it as the precious resource it is. When you view the Bible as a lifeline designed to keep you safe through the storms of life, you begin to take it more seriously. If you knew the truth you were hearing in church on Sunday was the difference between life and death, you wouldn’t have trouble focusing and listening to the message. If you remembered that your daily time in God’s Word was your lifeline to spiritual strength, you would be less likely to neglect it. Truth is that important, and it deserves our careful attention.—-When we understand how important God’s principle for wise living are, we will cling tightly to them.(Daily In The Word)

“And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.”–Exodus 3:19-20

Obstacles are a common part of the human life. Whether it’s at work, at home, in a sporting competition, or any other venture, obstacles will come. The difference between a successful person and one who fails isn’t the presence of obstacles along their path, but their reaction to those obstacles.

The same is true in the Christian life. We will all face obstacles that threaten to derail us from living for Christ, running our race, and accomplishing the task He has set before us. God knows of these obstacles, and rather than simply removing them, He desires that we would turn to Him to help us overcome them.

Moses faced an obstacle in God’s task for him to lead Israel out of Egypt. As seen in our verses, God foretold Moses that Pharaoh wouldn’t release the Israelites easily. Moses could have seen this obstacle and given up, gone back to sheep-herding, and allowed the obstacle to rule his life. But Moses turned to God and trusted Him for help.

Obstacles will come into your Christian life; it’s a fact you can count on. God doesn’t promise the path He has for you will be easy, but He does promise to help you along the way. The devil is a master at causing Christians to feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and doubtful. Have you ever had the devil jump on your shoulder and begin telling you why you couldn’t accomplish something for God, live a faithful life, or continue along God’s path? Don’t listen to him!

Every faithful Christian has faced obstacles in their Christian life. Whether it was Joseph being thrown into a pit then sold into slavery, Moses having to face the ruler of the land, David being threatened by the king, Daniel being captive in a pagan land, or the disciples facing persecution; every Christian has had their share of battles. Yet the ones who remained faithful were those who allowed God to guide them and trusted Him for help in conquering the obstacles.

What obstacle has come into your life? In what area has the devil been telling you that you cannot be faithful? Rather than listening to the devil’s doubts, believe God’s promise that He will help you overcome the obstacles. Like Moses, allow God to stretch out His hand in your life and do many mighty wonders through you.–Daily in the Word