From the Pulpit: Overcoming obstacles - What we are

By: 
Pastor Tony Toth, Faith United Presbyterian Church
We would love to accomplish our goals, reach our dreams, and find a content life while avoiding the obstacles that might get in the way. We want to get everything we want while experiencing the least amount of discomfort. However, it is the obstacles we overcome that ultimately shape our story and define who we are when we reach our destination.
There are a multitude of obstacles that we might face that, if we were able to choose, we might avoid. We sometimes face a life altering decision, an addiction, a bad habit, or attitude. We might have to deal with a job layoff, financial concerns, marital conflict, or a serious illness. These obstacles can create frustration, fear and confusion. 
Professor Haddon Robinson said, “In any situation, what you ARE determines what you see, what you SEE determines what you DO.” When we understand what we are, it will affect how we see and engage the obstacles before us.
There is enough information in the Bible about King David’s life, overcoming incredible obstacles, that we are able to piece together a clear picture of who he was, what he saw, and what he did. David’s reputation and historical impact is defined by who he was: A man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). If we consider ourselves as a part of the people of God, then we would love to be known as people after God’s own heart. 
It’s not about perfection but a willingness to repent when mistakes are made. David was often self-seeking but willing to realign with God’s will. David often complained about his circumstances but through prayer would find the willingness to be faithful to God in the midst obstacles to his goals and dreams. David was willing to pursue God’s heart in all things, especially when he discovered his own heart was in an unhealthy place.
If we see ourselves as a child of God and if we desire to be defined as a people after God’s own heart, we will face our obstacles knowing confidently who we are. Over the next couple of weeks we will face our obstacles. It starts with knowing that we are God’s people, pursing God’s heart in all things. Next week I will talk about what we see determines what we do. 

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