Obstacles

“If righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and ignore the obstacles I put in their way, they will die. And if you do not warn them, they will die in their sins. None of their righteous acts will be remembered, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. [Ezekiel 3.20]

Yes, God puts obstacles in the way. But whose way does He put obstacles in? Those who turn away from righteousness.

So when we encounter obstacles, what are we to make of it? Wouldn't it make sense to reverse-engineer the situation and conclude that we must have left the way of righteousness?

But instead, most simply accept a false doctrine that God randomly puts obstacles in the way of those He loves. They ignore the obvious implications of the obstacle and, instead of repenting, embrace the obstacle as a sign of God's love - no further action required. It is in fact a twisted doctrine that glorifies the obstacle instead of seeing it as a tool reminding us to turn to God.

For the record, obstacles ARE signs of God's love! BUT! they are warning signs! God's love compels Him to warn those He loves when they turn away from righteousness and need to repent! Obstacles are that warning!

"Oh, but then we would be repenting all the time because obstacles seem to abound," one might say.

Is that any reason not to repent? Just because there is a lot of it to be done?

It is time to repent! We should get to it!

Father, as I consider all the obstacles I face every day, I am reminded of Your amazing love compelling me to repent and be in right relationship with You. THANK YOU!