10 Steps to Destiny- #10 Deal With ObstaclesMerry Christmas! Before I begin with this month's column, I want to begin by just wishing the absolute best wishes for this Christmas Season. My prayer is that God will open the doors that need to be opened, close the ones that need to be closed and give you the courage to accept whatever He shows you through the opening and closing process so that you are prepared to enter 2012 with a renewed spirit towards your destiny. Trust me, there's a very special message He has for you in that process, but it will be up to you to act accordingly upon what He reveals.
With that being said, it's amazing to me that this Step to Destiny simply says, "Deal With Obstacles." As much as I would like to say that life will always be a simplistic journey with no bumps, bruises, curves or pitfalls along the way, I think we've all lived long enough to know that such is just not reality. We face all kinds of obstacles from day to day, with some being more painful and challenging than others. I think this is a fact of life that we need to remember, particularly as we embark upon a brand new year.
When it comes to dealing with obstacles, the first thing we've got to do is admit that there is a problem. Unfortunately, too many people are unwilling to recognize something that is clearly standing in the way of their success. It could be a bad habit, an unhealthy relationship or even a personal shortcoming. But what we must understand is that if we are going to get to where we're trying to go, the path must be clear of all obstacles.
Now, it is true that there are some obstacles that we may not be able to do anything about. This basically includes those unchangeable circumstances such as family members (blood relatives, that is), health conditions, or other things that are pretty much etched in stone. However, for the ones that we can address, it is imperative that we do whatever we reasonably can so that our efforts to get closer to fulfilling our destiny can become manifest.
So, dealing with obstacles first entails an identification process. Then, the next step is to get past them. One way to do so is to not allow the past to overshadow the future. If there are things that were a problem in the past, allow them to remain where they are --- in the past. If it is at all possible, try not to make the same mistakes over and over again. In order to avoid doing so requires a searching of the soul. Take some time to analyze the missteps and then determine what will be necessary to keep you from delivering a repeat performance.
Once you've dealt with the past, take a look at the future. What's in your present that's causing grief? Is it a relationship that needs to be severed? If so, are you willing to trust God to send the right replacement if a replacement is necessary? Is it a medical condition or threat? If so, are you willing to take the precautionary measures that will keep things from getting worse? Is it a personal shortcoming? If so are you willing to do whatever you can to make yourself better? Please know that you have everything inside of you to make a difference. Nevertheless, you must keep in mind that faith without works is dead.
Finally, dealing with obstacles entails looking ahead. A paraphrase of Proverbs 22:3 says that a prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; but the simple pass on and are punished. In essence, there is a price to pay for not addressing those things that could later present themselves as obstacles.
Obstacles are a very real part of life. The good news is that they can be conquered. As you press towards your destiny, I sincerely hope that you deal with your obstacles and continue full speed ahead.
Pushing You Towards Destiny, I am
Pastor Alonia Jernigan
Alonia Jernigan is an Atlanta-based award winning journalist, as well as an author, preacher/teacher/speaker, entrepreneur and destiny coach. A licensed and ordained minister of the Gospel, she is known as an excellent writer, captivating and witty speaker and challenging teacher/trainer. For more information on Elder Alonia, visit her online at www.AloniaJernigan.com or www.Dream-2-Destiny.com.