“Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’” John 11:39 NKJV

“Obedience opens unforeseen possibilities.”

My thoughts today are about “barricades and barriers.”

Much of the time, people resign themselves to a life hindered by barricades and/or barriers. Barricades are things and ways with which you make it difficult for God and others to get up close or too personal. Barriers are things that stand in your way from becoming what you want to be and doing what you need to do. Allowing either measurably reduces the life that you could enjoy. It is the rare person who does not struggle with one or both. Sometimes you may see the effect without recognizing the cause. What do you see limiting your progress? Eventually, you will have to deal with that in order to grow and succeed.

There will be plenty of reasons, excuses really, why you might avoid dealing with the real issues. It’s too much trouble; it’s hard work; you aren’t convinced your efforts will make any difference; and you may have grown accustomed to your situations. Whatever your excuse, you will make no progress until you come to terms with whatever is hindering you.

John relates an amazing and true story in his Gospel – the story of Lazarus’ death and astounding resuscitation by the power of God, four days afterwards. Read John 11:1-45 NKJV. Lazarus, a beloved friend who frequently hosted Jesus at his home in Bethany, had become sick and the sisters of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, sought Jesus’ assistance.

When Jesus arrived at Bethany four days had passed, Lazarus had died, mourners were gathered, and a large stone covered the entrance of the cave where Lazarus was buried. Jesus was not deterred. Even death was neither final nor irreversible in Jesus’ considerations; it never is! “And Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone!’” John 11:39 NKJV. Martha wrongly concluded that it had been too long and now it was too late. Ever feel that way? She was wrong; maybe you are as well. Jesus doesn’t ask you to undo what’s been done or understand how something good can come out of bad. Don’t argue; just obey – “take away the stone” – and He will do what you could not imagine! See Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV. Obedience opens unforeseen possibilities.

There are spiritual principles here: you have to remove anything that hinders your receiving everything God desires for you. If you put barricades or allow barriers between you and God, you will have to remove them to see previous impossibilities become wondrous possibilities. Between Jesus and Lazarus was a barrier that had to be removed for life to invade and overpower the dominion of death. “For God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of His dear Son He loves, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 NIV. If God can do that, what can’t He do in your everyday life?

The external, physical barrier was just a stone; the internal, mental, emotional and spiritual barricades were more complicated – the sisters’ inability to believe Jesus was Lord of all. Romans 14:7-9 NIV. That sound familiar? The first is easy; the latter, not so much! Do what you can; God will do what you cannot! When you are willing to remove the barriers you allow and the barricades you erect, new life will replace the struggles and disappointments that impede your progress and growth. What do you need to do for God to change you and change your circumstance? See 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV.

My prayer for you today is that you discover new life where you doubted its possibility.