Blessings That Feel Like Hurdles, Barriers, and Roadblocks
Some times roadblocks are the beginning of a new path.
It has been three years and two months of Jacob trying his best, praying for things to be easier, getting hit harder daily, questioning, and picking himself up daily to try to keep going. As so many difficulties weigh him down, it is hard for him to see that he is being blessed, changed, and he is glorifying God.
Jacob’s life has been full of hurdles, barriers, and roadblocks. He has had to overcome the difficulties of loneliness and has stayed in continuous prayer on this. He has been told by others, “That career path is going to be really hard.” I could go on and on.
Recently, Jacob has had a tough two weeks. Jacob has had this one consistent friend in his life the last 4 years that I know without a doubt will always be there no mattter what. His name is Justin Kent. Justin is that friend that can kick you over the hurdle, encourage you to break the barrier, and help you discover a different route when you hit a road block. He is young, but wise beyond his years. He sent this message to Jacob this week. “Hey, let me tell you something. I’ve never seen someone as tough as you, and if there’s anyone who can crush it, it’s you. God doesn’t give the biggest task to the weaker people, he gives it to his strongest, most dependable warriors. He knew Jacob Browder was the one who could turn a bad situation into a testimony. He knew you were the one to take ministering to the next level. God chose you because you were strong enough to carry it. You were born with strength and courage. That’s God’s gift to you, but you are the only one who can control it. Only you can speak it. God gave you just enough strength to get by, but with his strength and yours, you can overcome anything. God gave you courage in the form of his word. It’s in you, you have it, and you just have to speak it.”
So why am I sharing this conversation and writing this devotional during the season of Christmas? We all need a light during our darkest times. John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (NIV) Being a light in Jacob’s life is a gift from God given to Justin and to all of us. This Christmas, choose to be the light in someone’s life and let them see Jesus.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV)
It was so hard for us, especially Jacob, to see that all of the hurdles, barriers, and roadblocks were actually a blessing to him. Through consistent prayer, Jacob has learned that hurdles can be overcome, barriers can be broken, and to try another way when you hit a roadblock.
Counting My Blessings,
Susan Browder
Your Words by Third Day
