Job 41, 42 Matthew 16

You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men. ~ Matthew 16:23

A “stumbling block” is anything that tries to keep you from following the will of God.  No matter what God’s will is for our lives people will always try to impose their vision and their dreams on us.  In preparing for our first child, the best advice my best friend gave me was to use great discernment when it came to the advice of others, as even well-meaning people could give advice that could be a hindrance to God’s will.  If ever I’m feeling shaky, I always turn back to the vision and promises God made to me about our child and I am able to stand firm.

When Job spoke of things that were “above” his understanding, God asked him, “Who is it that obscures my counsel without knowledge?”  And to Peter’s declaration about the Cross not coming to pass, Jesus said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me,” (Job 42:3; Matthew 16:23).

Points to Ponder:

1)     Has God given you a vision for a specific area of your life?  If so, write it down so that it will be ever before you.  If not, ask Him to reveal it to you plainly.

2)     What things have become stumbling blocks—hindrances to God’s will—to you?  If you aren’t sure, ask God to reveal them to you and ask His guidance for “side-stepping” them.

Father, thank you for this word today.  Lord, I pray that You would give us eyes to see and ears to hear, that we may discern Your will for our lives and help us to choose the things that align our lives with Your will.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

HeatherPotts5