WORD OF THE WEEK - OBSTACLE - 10-20-25

Definition:  A barrier or hindrance that must be overcome to continue.
Scriptures: 
Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord… and He will make your paths straight.”
Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Website:  www.wow-newton.com

Website: www.wow-newton.com
Email:  osnewton@wow-newton.com

Transcript

Definition:  A barrier or hindrance that must be overcome to continue.
Scriptures: 
Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord… and He will make your paths straight.”
Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
THOUGHT
Every week, I face the obstacle of hearing a word from the Lord so that I can fulfill the calling of preparing the Word of the Week.  Sometimes, that very process feels like an obstacle—but God reminds me that even my struggle to listen can become part of the message itself.
But WOW is not a task—it’s the strength, love, understanding, and encouragement I receive from God that I strive to share with you.
The Word this week is “obstacle.”  At first, I envisioned a brick wall. Then, a massive boulder blocking the road.  But as I searched deeper into my life experience, I  realized  how emotions can become obstacles: fear that freezes my voice,  anger that hinders my ability to deal with difficult people; or insecurity that discourages me from  embracing new challenges.
Then I considered those spiritual obstacles that block my understanding of scripture, tempt me towards choices that could undermine my witness, or weaken my faith in God. 
Obstacles can be physical, mental, or emotional - simple or complex, sudden or strategic. No matter their substance or form, obstacles  serve one purpose:  to prevent forward movement, positive change or transformation. 
How we respond to them comes from a deeply spiritual place.  It is from there that we decide whether to be overcome, or persevere, whether to proceed in faith or give up in failure.
Everything that God creates or allows serves his divine purpose. From Adam’s failed test in the Garden of Eden, to our daily struggles, obstacles test obedience, endurance, tenacity, and faith.
We meet our greatest challenge when we face obstacles that exceed our human ability to change, handle, endure or conquer. That is when God reveals who we are, what we believe, and the true source of our power.
Each test can either break or condemn or result in progressive growth and resilience.
Each obstacle presents questions we must answer:
• To whom do you turn when facing weakness, fear, discouragement, or hate?• What relationship do you have that will give you courage, confidence and comfort?• When do you determine that you need help moving, avoiding, changing or leaving?• Where do you go when no one you know has the answer to your dilemma?• How do you deal with obstacles that have become the ones you love?
In God’s Holy Word we find the answer to each of these questions.
Obstacles are overcome by:• Having Faith in God’s Power – Romans 8:37-39• Walking in assurance that God will give you what you need – Philippians 4:13• Trusting in and submitting to the Will of God – James 1:3-6• Seeking God’s Divine Wisdom – Proverbs 3:3-6• Allowing the Perfect Love of God to Prevail – 1 Corinthians 13:4–7
OBSTACLES:  If God is the source of the test,Wouldn’t it be reasonable that God is also the key to the answer?