"Where we may see things in life as an obstacle, God sees it as a pathway"
PRODUCTIVE RISING!
In my reading this morning, the Book of Jubilees:11, there was a specific portion that stood out to me. Jubilee 11: 10-24, where the people were struggling because ravens kept eating up the seeds before they could even plant them for food.
What should have produced a harvest was being stolen before it had a chance to grow.
But then Abram was born (powerful change)!
As Abram grew, he noticed the corruption in the land. Instead of joining in with the wickedness around him, he prayed that God would keep his heart from becoming corrupt(something we all should be doing). God answered that prayer!
Abram began scaring away the ravens, and the crops became successful. Later, he created a way to help the people protect their seed, so they no longer had to live in fear of losing their harvest.
What looked like an obstacle became a pathway for wisdom, invention, provision, and change.
Sometimes the very thing attacking your seed is the thing God will use to reveal your purpose.
Do not despise the obstacle.
Pray through it. Learn from it. Build from it. "Where we may see things in life as an obstacle, God sees it as a pathway."
Dr. Tracy Nichols
Reflecting on the story from the Book of Jubilees about ravens eating the seeds before they could be planted, I've come to deeply appreciate how what appears to be an obstacle can actually become a vital turning point in one’s life journey. In my personal experience, I've faced moments where external circumstances seemed to block my progress—whether it was career setbacks, personal struggles, or emotional hardships. Like Abram, the key has been in not giving in to the negativity or corruption around me, but instead turning to prayer, reflection, and proactive measures to safeguard what I valued most. For example, early in my professional life, I encountered a situation where important projects I was passionate about kept encountering unforeseen setbacks, akin to 'ravens stealing seeds'. I could have simply accepted defeat, but I chose instead to look at these setbacks as signals to rethink my approach, develop better strategies, and seek advice from mentors. Through this process, I found new ways to protect and nurture my goals, just as Abram protected his seed. This approach also taught me the importance of guarding my heart and intentions amidst challenges—ensuring that adversity does not lead me to become bitter or corrupted. I incorporated daily moments of prayer and meditation, which helped me stay focused and aligned with my values. Slowly but surely, the obstacles that once seemed threatening became catalysts for personal growth and wisdom. The key takeaway is that obstacles often contain lessons and hidden purposes. By embracing challenges through prayer, learning from them, and building upon the insights gained, we can turn difficulties into remarkable pathways. This mindset transformation has not only strengthened my faith but also led me to innovative solutions and new opportunities I might never have considered otherwise. Therefore, I encourage anyone facing similar struggles to view their challenges as opportunities for change rather than setbacks. Protect your 'seed'—your dreams and values—with determination and faith. Remember, what appears as an obstacle today could be the pathway to your greatest breakthroughs and purpose tomorrow.
