What Is The Wall Stopping You?

A few months ago, I found myself in a difficult situation and I had to decide what options are best for me and my family. I've been looking for new employment opportunity for some time now, and the prospect has been low. To be close to home I had to decide which job I feel best qualified for from the pool of jobs available. Also, I had to make sure that this is what I would want to do for the next few years if the Lord tarries or doesn't take me home soon enough. When looking around, I either was overqualified, needed to refresh my skills, or plainly go back to school for a new career. I wasn't too happy with either of these options, because I am comfortable where I am, and I really enjoy my current job.

Suddenly, I decided to challenge myself and took a written test for a Sheriff Deputy position in the city where I reside. I was thinking to myself, I surely can do what they do. I passed the written exam. Now came the time for the physical exam. I started running around my property and did some sit-ups and push-ups, hoping to get myself ready. With one third of my life over,--remember that God only promised us 120 years on earth (Genesis 6:3)--I was feeling pretty taken by the toll of any strenuous activities. Since I left the military a few years earlier, I barely take the time to exercise now. I found out quick that I was badly out of shape. My two younger children would beat me up jogging on the course. They had more endurance and dedication than I. At times, I wonder who really wanted the sheriff job, I or they.

Guess what happened when it was time to take the physical fitness test? Of course, I failed! Despite a few hours of practice leading to scratches on my arms, legs, and ache in my whole body, my trying to overtake and jump a 6 feet wall was to no avail, and with no success. I knew that I didn't practice hard enough, given it enough time, nor had my whole heart in it.

All along I thought to myself, what nonsense did I get myself involved in? Why do I have to jump a wall to get a new job. Moreover, the officers trying to help me didn't make it easy at all when the comments were: “An older woman who made it was 52 years old. You can do it! Keep practicing!” It was such a shame to be stopped by a wall. It was degrading! What did I do after my failure you may ask? After analyzing my life situation, I decided to quit going lukewarmly after stuff I don't have much interest about, and no peace, just because………

Now I am not advocating that once you failed a life test you should quit. Remember the stories of Thomas A. Edison, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Alexander G. Bell, and other great men of the prior centuries. My intent is to warn you that you should always make sure that what you got yourself involved in is really what you want to do, where you really want to go, and where your heart desires are. You should always learn to minimize the guilt and move on. Also, learn to take it all into consideration especially if you have a family. Learn with the help of the Word of God and few friends to carefully analyze all options available to you in order to make the best decision (Proverbs 11:14).

My question for you is: (1) What is the wall in your life stopping you from being successful? (2) What is the wall in your life stopping you from accomplishing the purpose of God in your life? (3)What is the wall in your life that seems insurmontable? (4) Do you know when it is time to stop what you are doing and move on? (5) Do you know when to decide to take action? Even the Holy Father told Moses once to stop crying out to Him and start moving (Exodus 14:15).

Is your wall your family, a boring and unchallenging job, your insecurity, your house, your inability or unwillingness to listen to the Lord, your anger, your lack of education, your walking away from the Lord, your pride, your illness, your depression, your marriage, your jealousy, your lack of finances, your addictions, your fears, your children, your despair, your discouragement, etc.? No matter what it is, decide to give it to the Lord and accept the promises He made us to give us rest when we do so (1 Peter 5:7). Pray without ceasing when confronting issues of life you feel inadequate to handle (Matthew 11:28-30).

Like the Israelites that were protected by a wall of sea water on their right and their left, our wall often has the purpose to make us come closer to the purpose of God in our lives. When we have a relationship with God, we learn to wait on Him until we hear the signal to move on or take action (Psalm 106:13). When we know that He is good, is there with us no matter what we go through, and that with Him we will always have the victory, we learn to wait on Him. Our wall will look so insignificant because we understand the big picture of life. When we trust wholly in Him, the peace of God will rule as an empire over our soul. We will be en route to an exciting, a challenging and wonderful life.

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11:28)

Marie Monaus