breaking through obstacles to gain peace
Hello friends, thanks for joining me. Today I am going to share 3 steps with you to help you push past the obstacles that are impeding your pathway to success. So let’s jump right into scripture to understand how the Israelites navigated through obstacles in their lives !
Exodus 12:21-22
2 1 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. 22 Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning.
“ As the first rays of morning sunlight illuminated the threshold, I stood at the doorway, taking in the sight before me. Today was the day I would pass through this familiar entrance one last time, embarking on a journey to the promised land. A mix of nostalgia and anticipation welled up within me as I could almost taste the sweetness of God's faithfulness. Stepping forward, I released a breath, surrendering the known for the unknown of what lay ahead. With each footfall, I was leaving behind burdens and regrets, trading them for hope and restoration. As the doorway embraced me one final time, I stepped into the light, ready to discover the blessings that awaited me in this new chapter of my life”. After 400 years of captivity, one might wonder if this could have been the words of a faithful Israelite. Imagine his feelings as he had endured the harsh grip of captivity, witnessing the oppression of his people and the dejection of their spirit. Yet, now, as he trudges forward with determination, a glimmer of hope flickers within him.
Each year as the Passover season draws to a close, there is a poignant sense of reflection and anticipation in the air. The journey through the doorway one last time holds deep significance for those who have celebrated this sacred feast. This final passing through the blood-stained doorway is a solemn and poignant moment. It is symbolic of leaving behind a season of struggle and pain, where battles were fought and wounds were inflicted. Much like our own lives, the blood stains serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made, both by oneself and others. As we step into the unknown beyond that threshold, we carry the lessons learned and the strength gained from those difficult experiences. It is a bittersweet farewell, as we bid adieu to a chapter that shaped us, while embracing the anticipation of new beginnings on the horizon. It is a moment of both closure and new chapters in our lives. Stepping through the doorway, one is reminded of the liberation and deliverance experienced during the Passover celebration. As we leave behind the symbol of bondage and break through doorways once impassable, we embrace the hope of a future filled with freedom and renewed purpose.
Just as a doorway signifies a transition from one place to another, the beams of the cross act as a spiritual doorway, bridging the gap between humanity and God. This symbolism of the beams of the doorway and the beams of the cross also holds significant meaning in the Christian faith. The beams of the cross serve as a metaphorical representation of the entrance into a sacred space, a threshold between the ordinary and the divine, once thought unimaginable. They embody the sacrificial love of Christ, as they represent the vertical beam symbolizing His relationship with God the Father and the horizontal beam representing His relationship with humanity. Together, these beams remind believers of the transformative power of the cross, inviting them to pass through and experience redemption, forgiveness, and the ultimate restoration of their relationship with God. Additionally, the parallels between the blood of the Passover doorway and Jesus' blood on the cross are truly remarkable. In the Old Testament, during the time of the Exodus, the blood of a lamb on the doorposts of the Israelite’s homes marked them as God's chosen people and ensured their safety from the final plague. Similarly, Jesus, the Lamb of God, shed His blood on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His blood serves as a powerful symbol of redemption and protection, just like the blood on the passover doorway. Both instances highlight God's unfailing love and desire to deliver His people from the consequences of sin.
As the parallel between the Passover doorway and the Cross doorway symbolize deliverance and redemption, it is not uncommon for us to feel blocked from accessing the doorways of opportunity that God has for us. It is akin to standing at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take or feeling like every door before you is locked. This state of stagnation can leave one feeling trapped and ultimately hinder personal and professional growth. However, it is important to remember that these moments of feeling blocked can also present an opportunity for self-reflection and reevaluation. It is in these moments that we can examine our goals, motivations, and values, and perhaps discover a new path or approach that was previously unseen. Sometimes, what initially appears as a closed door may simply be an invitation to seek alternative options or even the courage to knock harder. By embracing these challenges as opportunities for growth and staying resilient, we can navigate through the blockages to unlock the doors of opportunities waiting for us on the other side.
When feeling blocked or stuck from a path or doorway of opportunity, there are three steps that can help navigate through the hurdle. First, it is important to acknowledge and accept the emotions you are experiencing. Give yourself permission to feel and recognize that it is a normal part of the human experience. Take a step back and reflect on the underlying reasons behind your current state. Asking yourself probing questions can help gain clarity and identify any limiting beliefs or fears that may be holding you back. Second, take a step back, breathe deeply, and assess what might be causing the block. Once identified, challenge those beliefs and fears by reminding yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. Sometimes, just acknowledging the obstacle can shift our perspective and open up new possibilities. And third, practice self-compassion and patience, understanding that periods of feeling blocked are temporary and that you have the resilience to overcome any obstacles that come your way. Taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being is essential in gaining clarity and finding the strength to persevere. Remember to be patient with yourself and allow the process of overcoming the blockage to unfold naturally. Keep in mind, as we leave behind the symbol of bondage, we embrace the hope of a future filled with freedom and renewed purpose.
Prayerful Thought: “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:8
“All lessons in life will be repeated, until they are learned. The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones, is the way you use them !”
“May the peace and grace of the Lord always be with you” - Dr Lee