Overcoming Obstacles on the Journey of Faith

Devotional

Day 1: The Devil as an Obstacle to Spiritual Growth

The devil is a real and relentless adversary whose goal is to hinder your spiritual progress and draw you away from God. Scripture describes him as a prowling, fiercely hungry lion, always seeking someone to devour, and warns believers to be sober-minded, self-disciplined, and alert at all times. You are not powerless against him; God commands you to resist the devil by submitting to His authority, standing firm in faith, and putting on the full armor He provides. Victory comes not from fear, but from actively using the spiritual resources God has given you—truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer. Fix your eyes on Jesus, not on the obstacles, and you will find the strength to overcome every attack. [01:03:44]

1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV):
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense the enemy trying to discourage or distract you from God’s purpose, and how can you actively put on God’s armor to stand firm today?

Day 2: The Influence of People—Choosing Your Companions Wisely

The people you allow close to you have a profound impact on your spiritual journey, either helping you grow in wisdom or leading you into harm. Scripture warns that bad company corrupts good morals and urges you to discern carefully who you form close bonds with, especially when their values and priorities differ greatly from your own. Just as epoxy glue only forms a strong bond with the right ingredients, your faith is strengthened when you are closely connected with those who share your commitment to Christ. Sometimes, wisdom means walking away from relationships or influences that draw you away from God, even if it is difficult. Guard your heart by surrounding yourself with those who encourage your faith and align with your spiritual values. [01:20:46]

2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV):
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"

Reflection: Is there a relationship or influence in your life that is pulling you away from God, and what step can you take today to set a healthy boundary or seek out faith-building companionship?

Day 3: Guarding Your Heart Against Deceit and Toxic Influences

Your own heart, affected by sin, can be deceitful and lead you astray if you are not vigilant. The Bible teaches that the heart is deceitful above all things and warns believers to watch over it with all diligence, for it determines the course of your life. Just as a pickle is shaped by the solution it soaks in, your heart is shaped by the influences you allow in—whether they are life-giving or toxic. Be aware of the dangers around you, especially in today’s world filled with digital distractions and negative influences, and do everything in your power to protect your heart. This means being intentional about what you see, hear, and allow to shape your desires and decisions, so that your heart remains aligned with God’s will. [01:29:13]

Proverbs 4:23 (ESV):
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

Reflection: What is one practical change you can make today to limit a toxic influence on your heart—whether it’s media, a habit, or an environment—and replace it with something that draws you closer to God?

Day 4: God’s Grace and Strength in Overcoming Life’s Circumstances

Life’s circumstances—trials, hardships, and weaknesses—can feel overwhelming, but God promises that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in your weakness. Like the Apostle Paul, who faced beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, and a persistent “thorn in the flesh,” you are invited to rely not on your own strength but on God’s sustaining grace. When you feel weak, that is precisely when God’s power can rest on you and enable you to endure and overcome. Embrace your limitations as opportunities for God to show His strength, and trust that He will work good out of every circumstance, shaping you for His purposes. [01:32:25]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV):
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: Where do you feel most weak or overwhelmed right now, and how can you invite God’s grace and strength into that specific area today?

Day 5: Spiritual Growth Through Endurance and Obedience

Spiritual growth is not a passive process; it requires endurance, focus, and a willingness to lay aside every hindrance that entangles you. The Bible urges you to fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith, and to run with perseverance the race set before you. Just as athletes or teams huddle to receive direction and then take the field, you are called to gather with God’s people, receive His Word, and then go out to live it boldly in the world. Obstacles will come, but those who spiritually grow are those who keep moving forward, drawing on their faith, spiritual disciplines, and the encouragement of the church. Remember, the mission continues after the “huddle”—so take what you’ve received and put it into action, one step at a time. [01:44:15]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV):
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What is one specific “weight” or distraction you need to lay aside this week in order to focus more fully on Jesus and faithfully pursue the mission He has given you?

Sermon Summary

Spiritual growth is not a smooth, obstacle-free journey. Every believer who desires to mature in faith will inevitably face challenges—some visible, some hidden. These obstacles come in many forms: the devil’s relentless opposition, the negative influence of people, the deceitfulness of our own hearts, and the difficult circumstances of life. Recognizing these barriers is not a sign of weakness, but a necessary step in preparing to overcome them. The reality is, spiritual progress will always be met with resistance, but God has provided both the wisdom and the resources to help us persevere.

The devil, described in Scripture as a prowling, hungry lion, is a real and formidable adversary. Yet, we are not left defenseless. God commands us to be alert, self-disciplined, and to actively resist the enemy. We are equipped with spiritual armor—truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer. Victory comes not by fearing the enemy, but by standing firm and focusing our attention on Christ, not on the obstacles themselves.

People, too, can be significant obstacles. The company we keep shapes our character and can either support or sabotage our spiritual journey. Scripture warns us not to be deceived: bad company corrupts good morals. We are called to discern who we allow to influence us, to form deep bonds with those who share our faith, and to walk away from relationships that draw us away from God.

Our own hearts can mislead us. The heart is deceitful and prone to rebellion, easily swayed by toxic influences. Just as a pickle is shaped by the solution it sits in, so our hearts are shaped by the environments and influences we allow. We must vigilantly guard our hearts, being aware of what we let in and taking active steps to protect ourselves from spiritual toxicity.

Circumstances, like those faced by the Apostle Paul, can be overwhelming. Yet, God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. Spiritual growth often comes through friction and abrasion—God’s refining process that shapes our character. Though uncomfortable, these challenges are used by God to prepare us for greater usefulness.

As a church, we gather each week like a football team in a huddle, receiving direction and encouragement. But the real game begins when we leave, taking what we’ve learned and living it out in the world. We move forward, not in fear or defense, but on offense—one yard, one soul at a time—trusting that God will help us overcome every obstacle as we fulfill His mission.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual Growth Requires Facing and Overcoming Obstacles True spiritual maturity is forged in the presence of resistance. Obstacles are not signs of failure or abandonment by God, but rather opportunities for growth. Recognizing that challenges are inevitable allows us to prepare our hearts and minds, so we do not lose hope or become discouraged when they arise. [56:16]
2. Victory Over the Enemy Comes Through Submission and Spiritual Armor The devil is a real adversary, but he is not invincible. By submitting to God’s authority, resisting the enemy, and intentionally putting on the spiritual armor provided in Scripture, we are empowered to stand firm. Our focus must remain on Christ, not on the threats around us, for where our attention goes, our lives will follow. [68:31]
3. The Company We Keep Profoundly Shapes Our Spiritual Journey Relationships are powerful, for good or for ill. Scripture calls us to discern who we allow to influence us, to form deep bonds with those who share our faith, and to courageously walk away from relationships that compromise our convictions. True compatibility is found in shared values and priorities rooted in Christ. [79:49]
4. Guarding the Heart is a Daily, Intentional Practice Our hearts are shaped by the environments and influences we allow. Like a pickle in a solution, we absorb what surrounds us—whether life-giving or toxic. Vigilance is required to recognize and reject harmful influences, and to cultivate an atmosphere that nourishes faith and spiritual health. [89:13]
5. God’s Grace and Strength Are Sufficient in Every Circumstance Weakness is not a disqualification, but an invitation to experience God’s power. Like Paul, we can face every hardship with confidence, knowing that God’s grace is enough and His strength is made perfect in our frailty. The refining process may be uncomfortable, but it is purposeful, and God never makes mistakes in shaping our lives.

** [92:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[54:21] - Introduction: The Journey of Spiritual Growth
[56:16] - Defining Obstacles and Their Importance
[57:21] - The Reality of Spiritual Resistance
[58:35] - The Snowbank Story: Perseverance in Difficulty
[60:54] - Four Common Obstacles to Spiritual Growth
[61:40] - The Devil: Our Spiritual Adversary
[64:41] - People as Obstacles: The Power of Influence
[66:45] - The Deceitfulness of the Heart
[67:50] - Paul’s Circumstances: Overcoming Hardship
[68:31] - Overcoming Satan: Submission and Armor
[71:24] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
[73:33] - The Danger of Losing Focus: Charles Templeton’s Story
[76:55] - Overcoming People’s Negative Influence
[79:49] - The Importance of Compatible Relationships
[83:50] - The Epoxy Glue Analogy: Bonding in Faith
[85:47] - Guarding the Heart: The Pickle Analogy
[89:13] - Protecting Against Toxic Influences
[91:21] - Overcoming Circumstances: God’s Grace and Strength
[94:42] - The Belt Sander: Spiritual Friction and Refinement
[99:13] - Embracing the Process of Growth
[100:13] - The Football Huddle: Preparing for the Mission
[104:15] - Living on Offense: The Great Commission
[106:00] - The Final Call: Go and Overcome
[106:56] - Closing and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV) — > Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

2. Proverbs 4:23 (ESV)
> Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

3. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)
> But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 5:8-9, what are believers commanded to do in response to the devil’s activity?
In Proverbs 4:23, what is the reason given for guarding our hearts so carefully?
What does God say to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 about weakness and strength?
The sermon described four main obstacles to spiritual growth. What are they? ([01:00:54])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Peter uses the image of a “roaring lion” to describe the devil? How does this image affect the way believers should approach spiritual resistance? ([01:01:40])
The sermon compared the heart to a pickle absorbing its environment. What does this analogy teach about the importance of our spiritual environment and influences? ([01:26:52])
Paul says he is “content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.” What does it look like for a Christian today to be content in weakness? ([01:32:25])
The sermon emphasized that the company we keep can either help or hinder our spiritual growth. Why is it sometimes necessary to walk away from certain relationships? ([01:19:49])

Application Questions

The sermon said, “Spiritual growth will always be met with resistance, but God has provided both the wisdom and the resources to help us persevere.” What is one current obstacle you are facing in your spiritual life? How can you use God’s resources (prayer, Scripture, community) to face it this week? ([01:00:54])
1 Peter 5:8-9 commands us to be alert and resist the devil. Are there specific areas in your life where you feel spiritually vulnerable? What practical steps can you take to “put on the armor of God” in those areas? ([01:08:31])
The sermon warned that “bad company corrupts good morals.” Is there a relationship or influence in your life that is pulling you away from God? What would it look like to set a boundary or even walk away from that influence? ([01:19:49])
The pickle analogy reminds us that our hearts absorb what surrounds us. What are some “solutions” (environments, media, habits) you are soaking in right now? Are they life-giving or toxic? What is one change you could make this week to guard your heart better? ([01:26:52])
Paul’s example shows that God’s grace is sufficient in every circumstance. When have you experienced God’s strength in your weakness? How can you remind yourself of His sufficiency the next time you feel overwhelmed? ([01:32:25])
The sermon compared Sunday church to a football huddle, but said the “real game” starts when we leave. What is one way you can take what you’ve learned this week and live it out “on offense” in your daily life? ([01:40:13])
The message said, “Victory comes not by fearing the enemy, but by standing firm and focusing our attention on Christ.” What is one practical way you can shift your focus from your obstacles to Jesus this week? ([01:11:24])

Sermon Clips

This tells us that we're fighting in a war against an enemy who's called Satan and to win the war not just the battle but win the war we are not to fear him but offensively stand strong and use the armor God has provided for us and here's the armor and notice the action words embedded in the context know and use the truth live a righteous life spread the good news about Jesus keep your faith healthy keep your assurance of salvation every day use the Bible and pray that's what the Bible says our armor is put it on put it on like clothes wear it wear these things and stand strong. [01:09:20] (67 seconds) #FocusDeterminesYourPath

If sometimes we need to say to people, if you want me, you're going to have to take my God too. And if not him, not me. [01:20:06] (19 seconds) #FaithCompatibilityMatters

``Walk away from people who draw you away from God. Walk away from places you aren't called to. Walk away from giving wisdom to people who don't want to change. Walk away from atmospheres that contaminate your faith. Walk away from anything that doesn't give you peace in your spirit. Walk away from people who want to gossip more than they want to growl. Good advice. [01:24:49] (27 seconds) #GuardYourHeartWithDiscernment

And this is what God said to Paul when he was facing the obstacle of his thorn in the flesh. It was an obstacle. God said, Paul, my grace, emphasis words, my grace, is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in, listen now, weakness, emphasis word. My grace and weakness balance out. That's what it says. [01:31:48] (28 seconds) #SpiritualSandingShapesCharacter

In other words, with what God supplied in his weakness, Paul was able to overcome every one of his challenges and I'm here to encourage you today that if we adopt this mindset and open ourselves up to the grace of God and the strength God gives us, we as well will find strength in every one of our obstacles. Every one of them. [01:33:11] (25 seconds) #GodWorksGoodFromAllCircumstances

The principle of spiritual friction and abrasion is that it's a developmental process in life. Every day, there's a developmental process going on and some friction taking place. This developmental process takes place when God is lovingly, skillfully, intentionally shaping our character and molding our development and helping us become what we should be like. For this to happen, God uses different circumstances and methods and people and pressures to do what needs to get done. We can call this spiritual sanding if you want. Spiritual sanding is intended to remove what doesn't belong in our lives, shape what does belong, prepare us for something useful and celebrate the product or the outcome. [01:37:27] (61 seconds) #FaithLeadsThroughLifeObstacles

And here's the good news. Unlike my story, God makes no mistakes while constructing our lives. Nothing slips out of His control. Every God action is perfectly timed and there is one thing you can count on. God will work good out of every circumstance and the finished outcome will be perfect. [01:38:57] (32 seconds) #SpiritualHuddleForVictory

And the point is, my friends, everyone will face obstacles in life and those who spiritually grow, well, they learn how to face their problems. How to use their faith to get through the challenges of life. They draw upon their spiritual disciplines and they remain strong in the tough times of life. People who spiritually grow, that's what they do. [01:39:29] (38 seconds) #ReadyToPlayTheFaithGame

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