Obstacles, not impediments

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the spiritual path is full of difficulties, but they are obstacles, not barriers. They may trouble the person, yet they do not prevent him from walking with God; rather, they help him grow and gain deeper spiritual experiences.

Difficulties as a sign of walking in the right path

• The presence of hardships is a sign that you are walking with God, because Christ said: “Enter by the narrow gate.”

• Obstacles are not proof of a wrong path but of a correct one.

The warfare of the devil as the first obstacle

• The devil envies God’s children because they live in grace and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

• Spiritual warfare may intensify especially at the beginning, yet it does not stop a person from continuing.

Obstacles as a test from God

• God may allow an obstacle to test your love and obedience, as He tested Abraham in leaving his family and offering Isaac.

• The obstacle reveals whether the commandment is mere words or real life.

Obstacles in daily virtues

• Such as giving despite need, praying despite fatigue, giving thanks in distress, and enduring difficult people.

• True virtues appear in hard circumstances, not in easy times.

Obstacles in service

• Service may face dangers as happened with St. Mark and St. Paul.

• Obstacles should not prevent the servant because strength is not in man but in God who works with him.

Spiritual benefits of obstacles

• They teach humility, increase prayer, grant thanksgiving, give spiritual experience, and activate talents.

• Without obstacles the person does not mature spiritually nor become strong in resisting sins.

Steadfastness despite everything

• The spiritual person is not brought down by obstacles but remains firm in hope.

• The Lord is the One who opens and the One who fights for the person.

For better translation support, please contact the center.