Facing Obstacles

A new Nature Park, a tourist attraction has opened near where we live at Upper Bukit Timah and is attracting crowds at weekends and public holidays. Those who come by vehicles can park at Car Park A which is adjacent to our Salvation Army compound. The advertisement in the Straits Times has the name The Salvation Army on the map. Those who come by bus are to disembark outside the Army and walk through the park to the destination.

From my balcony, I found it very interesting to watch vehicles entering Car Park A from Dairy Farm Road last weekend – Saturday, Sunday and Hari Raya. Most drivers got into the car park with no difficulty; others were put off by the sight of the barriers. They stopped at the entrance, reversed their vehicles and drove off to park elsewhere in Dairy Farm estate. Some might even have sneaked into our Army compound to get free parking!

Please note, when you approach the barrier your vehicle triggers the sensor and the bar automatically lifts up and allows your vehicle to enter. When you leave the same thing happens. You must not be put off by the sight of the barrier; just keep driving right into the car park – it’s free parking. In life don’t be put off by obstacles. Rich rewards await you when you dare challenge obstacles.

The dictionary defines obstacles as ‘something that stands in the way or opposes - something that is between where you are, and where you want to go or want to achieve.' Life is filled with obstacles. Some are small some are big but they can be overcome.

Thomas Edison was deaf. Alexander Pope was a hunchback. Admiral Nelson had only one eye. Julius Caesar was an epileptic. The list can go on. All of these people and many others faced obstacles that stood between where they were and where they wanted to go or wanted to achieve. They triumphed over obstacles.

I’ve been doing a series of studies on Joshua and we are almost at the end of it. I myself have been much blessed and challenged as I prepare each lesson. With Moses and the Israelites Joshua crossed the Red Sea; as leader of the nation, he led them across the River Jordan. He and his army marched round Jericho and the walls came tumbling down. What’s the secret? Moses, Joshua and others trusted in and obeyed God.

Obstacles appear in life and they will continue to come. Don’t let obstacles defeat you. Let us trust God, be sensitive to His presence, seek His power and direction and we too can conquer obstacles if we dare to move on. The barriers before you will be lifted up. Praise the Lord.