Overcoming Obstacles

Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Thine, be done”—and we should too.

Mark 11:20-26

Facing obstacles is a given in this life.  Jesus said we would have trouble; it’s simply unavoidable. However, there is hope because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).

Jesus tells us that when problems seem overwhelming, we’re to have faith in God and pray. A lot of people love Mark 11:24 because it seems like a blanket promise for whatever we want. However, the verse can’t stand alone and shouldn’t be taken out of context. Let’s consider two qualifications for the promise in it.

1. God is committed to removing only those obstacles that are hindrances to His will. Jesus is our primary example for this truth. When He faced the prospect of dying on a cross as the sin-bearer for mankind, it must have seemed like a daunting challenge that needed to be removed. But His prayers were governed by these words: “… not My will, but Thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).
2. We must make sure that we are not the obstacle. For instance, Jesus points out in Mark 11:25-26 that an unforgiving spirit breaks our fellowship with God and hinders our prayers.

Our first reaction to obstacles should be self-examination.  Ask God, “Is there something I need to address?  Do my requests align with Your will?”  Only then can we confidently ask Him to move in our life as only He can.