Matt. 9:2; "Courage, my child, your sins are forgiven you."
By REV. FR. PAUL ANIGBORO
Obstacles are part of life, but they remain surmountable. They might appear as a delay but not a stumbling block. In today's first reading, the prophet Amos was told to quit doing God's work: Get out or shut up. Yet he had a mission to do; he knew that he'd been sent by God. Should he worry about the reaction he was getting and turn away from his assignment? No, of course not. He should listen to God and obey him no matter what the personal cost. And that's exactly what he did. The paralytic in the gospel also faced some obstacles. He couldn't walk, but he had good friends who were willing to help him get to Jesus no matter the obstacles. Even Jesus faced some obstacles when he was about healing the paralytic.
We cannot face obstacles alone, at least not well. We all need a support group of Holy Spirit-filled friends who will help us identify what's paralyzing us and will carry us forward when we're too weak to move on our own. We need friends who will help us discern God's will and find innovative ways around obstacles. We need prayer partners who are not afraid of the consequences of obedience. Obstacles are really just illusions, not the end of the path. They are merely tests of our determination to move forward with God.
Lord, may my faith open the way to the wonders you want to work in me and in the people around me. Amen.
Good morning and do have a wonderful day ahead. God loves you.
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