There is an old Zen story about a king whose people had grown soft and entitled. Dissatisfied with this state of affairs, he hoped to teach them a lesson. His plan was simple: He would place a large boulder in the middle of the main road, completely blocking entry into the city. He would then hide nearby and observe their reactions.

 

How would they respond? Would they band together to remove it? Or would they get discouraged, quit, and return home?

 

With growing disappointment, the king watched as subject after subject came to this impediment and turned away. Or, at best, tried halfheartedly before giving up. Many openly complained or cursed the king or fortune or bemoaned the inconvenience, *but none managed to do anything about it.*

 

After several days, a lone peasant came along on his way into town. He did not turn away. Instead he strained and strained, trying to push it out of the way. Then an idea came to him: He scrambled into the nearby woods to find something he could use for leverage. 

 

Finally, he returned with a large branch he had crafted into a lever and deployed it to dislodge the massive rock from the road. Beneath the rock were a purse of gold coins and a note from the king, which said:

 

_”**The obstacle in the path becomes the path*. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition*.”_

(Culled from “The Obstacle Is The Way” - Ryan Holiday)

 

 

How can we as leaders turn adversity into advantage? What are you doing about the obstacle in your way?

 

*Genesis 1:2-3* - “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

 

3 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light."

 

*3 levels of difficulties leaders encounter*

 

1. Once organised but now *formless* (or confused, futile without meaning)

2. Once abundant but now *void* (or empty)

3. Once enlightened but now in *darkness*

 

*Spiritual truths*

1. You are one revelation away from a major breakthrough in your life.

2. The devil uses darkness to cover the possibilities you have access to. He makes you believe there is nothing happening beyond what you see in the natural.

3. God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (The Trinity) are accountable to each other.

3. The Holy Spirit has the truth you need and He is waiting to guide you into all things. You need to be still so You can know He is God.

4. The Holy Spirit brings light (revelation) into your mind, and power into your heart to make bold declarations of what you see.

5. The Holy Spirit grants you grace to walk in the direction of your vision.

6. The Holy Spirit enables faith and perseverance so that you can obtain the promise and inheritance given to you.

 

 

*People who experienced various obstacles in the Bible*

1. Abraham (father of faith and generational blessings) - *Sarah’s barrenness*

2. Hannah (mother of Prophet Samuel whose words never fell to the ground) - *Own barrenness*

3. Esther (A “deliverer” of God’s people during a crucial season) - *Fear*

4. Gideon (A judge over Israel who led a troop of 300 valiant men to a decisive victory over a Midianite army) - *Lack of identity and low self-esteem*

5. David (A giant slayer who suffered afflictions from king Saul and armies of other nations before crowned as king over over, first Judah, then later over all Israel) - *Various afflictions*

 

*Psalm 119:71* - “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.”

*Prayer Point 1 (Personal)*

Father, let your spirit enlighten my heart that I might see beyond the obstacle in my path. Let Your revelation in my heart be so strong and convincing that darkness is unable to comprehend it. Give me a greater vision of your purpose for my life. IJN

 

*Prayer Point 2 (The Church)*

Father, as Your Spirit leads and guides the Body of Christ, grant our leaders the strength and courage to follow Your leadership without compromise. Strengthen the Church with power through Your Spirit, manifest in us the spirit of wisdom and revelation and make us one to overcome the spiritual and worldly obstacles facing her. IJN

 

*Prayer Point 3 (Our Nation)*

Father, let your light penetrate every dark recess in our nation. Expose every unrighteousness that may be thriving under the covering of darkness. We serve notice to the rulers of darkness in every territory in Australia and enthrone the Lord of Jesus Christ in our suburbs, cities, states and nations. Awaken our nation and establish your reign in our leadership. IJN