“The only use of an obstacle, is to be overcome. All that an obstacle does with brave men is, not to frighten them, but to challenge them. So that it ought to be our goal to overcome everything that stands in the way.” — Woodrow Wilson
In the ancient days of chivalry, when knights arrayed themselves in armor, it was common for a man to be challenged to personal combat. A traveler never knew when he might meet an adversary, and it behooved him to be ready. That day has passed, but there are still adversaries — real ones — on life’s way. There are enemies to meet and obstacles to overcome. There can be no great achievement without great obstacles; for achievement is triumph over difficulty. The promises are all to the overcomer — not to the man who has nothing to overcome.
When the warrior of old faced an adversary, he had to meet him boldly or run away like a coward. Every obstacle in our way says, “I challenge you to combat.”
The first test given by an obstacle is of our courage. Strength is useless if we lack courage to use it. The foundation of victory is always courage. Soldiers may tremble when the battle begins; the difference between the one who fights and the one who flees is courage. A brave soldier may tremble, but he nerves himself for conflict. He will do or die.
It was not God’s intention that obstacles should overcome us, but that we should overcome them. Nothing else can develop our latent powers or increase our strength. Obstacles are opportunities — the stepping-stones to higher life and greater attainment.
It ought to be our goal to overcome obstacles. We should have a manly spirit of determination not to be overcome, but to use our powers effectively. There is a pride in maintaining ourselves undefeated that brings out our best, summoning all energy into the conflict.
During World War I, we often saw the phrase, “The will to victory.” This will to win, this determination not to be conquered, is as necessary in the Christian life as in battle. Where it is lacking, there will be few victories. Many fail because they lack this will. Some stop trying to live the Christian life because they will not face discouragement or obstacles with determination to conquer them.
Being creatures of environment and heredity, we will find within ourselves tendencies that must be overcome or they will overcome us. Some people are selfish, more interested in their own gratification than others. Some distrust others and find it hard to have confidence. Others are inclined to jealousy and must fight those battles repeatedly. Unless they conquer these tendencies, their happiness will be hindered.
Some envy those who seem more favored. The feeling that others always have a better chance often leads to discouragement. Some act impulsively and cause themselves trouble. Self-esteem, love of ease, and exaggeration may also be obstacles.
But why continue the list? Everyone knows the particular things in himself which hinder the normal development of the Christian life and the full operation of God’s grace. What shall we do when we face them? Shall we shrink like cowards? Or shall we face and conquer them?
There are also external obstacles — natural ones, and those placed in our way by others. These too must be met with the same will to victory as internal ones. They will yield to the one who faces them manfully. Put on the whole armor of God. Go forward calmly, courageously, confidently, determinedly, meeting all obstacles with unfaltering faith, trusting in God.
Charles Wesley Naylor is considered one of the most prolific and inspiring songwriters of the Church of God. He was bedridden for much of his adult life but wrote eight books, a newspaper column and more than 150 songs. Many of his writings are in the public domain.
