Every single person faces obstacles in life. These obstacles block your path in moving forward, moving up or moving on in life. Have you ever gone for years without noticing a giant boulder blocking your way? I know I have!

Lately God has been revealing some of these obstacles in my life, as I’m sure He is doing in yours. The good news is, God does not condemn, that is what man and the enemy do. God convicts! He raises you to a higher place where you then can make the needed change in your life.

When He exposes errors, it’s not to say, “You IDIOT!” He lifts you up to show you what is creating the stress, pain or more problems in your life. Once you’ve invited Him into your heart, He gets in there and starts cleaning house!

One verse in particular has been convicting me so much lately, that I had to share it with you. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.'” (Matthew 16:24)

When you think about the cross, what does it represent? When Jesus was crucified, He was first whipped and beaten for our sins. And then picked up our burdens, the cross and carried it!

No matter how bad you think your problems are, they are nothing compared to Jesus’ last day on earth. In Matthew, He goes on to say, “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” Matthew (10:38) Yikes! If you want to be worthy of Him, you have to be able to humble yourself and take responsibility for your cross.

To me, the cross represents one other big thing. And for you, maybe it means something more than even I have touched on. Personally, the cross stands for a great pain that led to great gain! Even this horrible event in history had a huge purpose. It washed us clean.

The cross I picked up in order to walk with Him, comes with a purpose. It might be painful, but I know in the end there is a greater gain.

I believe our Loving Father is working inside of you right now to remove obstacles you weren’t even aware of that are holding you back.  He is constantly revealing things, convicting, encouraging, defending and much, much more.

Sometimes when God shows me errors, it hurts. Maybe you’ve experienced that. Just know that it has a purpose, and that is to take you to a higher place in life. It is not to dwell on those mistakes, that is the condemnation of the enemy.

Has the Father revealed big painful obstacles in your life recently? Let me know in your comments and pass on today’s message by hitting Like and Share.

If you’re looking for more spiritual encouragement, you have two chances to join us today on The Dani Johnson Show at 12pm ET and 7pm ET. You can tune into the show on either your TV or radio and please remember you can always stream today’s show right on our website.

In great faith,

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