His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the obstacles that face man in the path of God, explaining that they are obstacles, not barriers — difficulties that test the soul but do not prevent a person from walking the spiritual way.

The nature of the spiritual path

The path to God is narrow and hard as Christ said. Therefore, it is natural for the believer to face hardships and spiritual battles, especially at the beginning of spiritual life when the devil tries to stop one from progressing.

The war of demons

The Pope explains that the devil envies the children of God because they have fellowship with the Holy Spirit while he is deprived of grace. For this reason, he fights them, but God does not allow any temptation beyond their strength and gives with the trial the way of escape.

Obstacles as a test

Obstacles are not always from the devil; sometimes God allows them to test obedience and love, as He did with Abraham when He asked him to leave his country and offer his son Isaac. Obstacles reveal the true depth of faith and how firm the person is in keeping God’s command.

Practical examples

The Pope speaks about obstacles in prayer, service, giving, or relationships with others, explaining that a strong believer is the one who overcomes difficulties and fulfills the commandment despite pain, loss, or inconvenience.

The virtue of endurance and thanksgiving

He says that overcoming obstacles grants crowns and blessings, and teaches humility and gratitude, as one remembers his weakness and continually asks for God’s help. Hardships create spiritual experience, hope, and freedom from despair.

Examples from the saints

The Pope recalls examples like John the Baptist before the king, St. Mark in Egypt, St. Paul among dangers, and St. Athanasius the Apostolic who said, “The whole world is against you, Athanasius? And I am against the world.” These did not see obstacles as barriers but as chances for witness.

Spiritual conclusion

The Pope affirms that obstacles should not frighten man but rather strengthen his faith and perseverance, for they are the road to spiritual maturity and divine grace accompanies the faithful struggler to the end.

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