It’s difficult to maintain hope when life throws you roadblocks. This is especially true when one obstacle after another litters your path. Sometimes these situations only act as speedbumps. But at other times, they’re a massive rockslide blocking your way. How do you keep a positive attitude when these roadblocks make any forward movement impossible?
For me, 2024 was a year of unprecedented obstacles yet also some amazing victories. If I had let my mind remain focused only on the negative events, I doubt I ever would have recognized the many blessings along the way. One lessons I learned from all these struggles is this—I can’t overcome on my own. I need help.
Now, anyone who truly knows me, understands that this is a huge revelation. I am an “I can do it all by myself” kind of girl. My mother would tell you that I’ve always been this way even as a child. How does one change from a person who refuses help to one who is humble enough to ask for assistance? Roadblocks.
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
James 1:2-4 Message Bible
Other versions of this Bible passage begin with “count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” Joy? Really James, how can anyone feel joy when confronted with struggles?
But there is a benefit to trials as they round off the rough edges of our personalities. When we’re forced to ask for help, we come to appreciate the value of working together with others. However, most of all, we learn to trust in God’s provision by experiencing firsthand his promises.
For he himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So, we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Hebrews 13:5-6 New King James Version
The presence of the Holy Spirit certainly carried me through the many challenges of 2024. I couldn’t have made it without the Lord’s added strength. Jesus has given me an Advocate to guide my way. So why would I even try to do everything on my own anymore? In the past, the inability to recognize my need and ask for help were two of my greatest obstacles. But experience has given me a new perspective.
Jesus offers hope when life throws you roadblocks. In him we find joy . . . in spite of the trials.
