INNOVATION: The DevotionalSample

“OBSTACLES VS OPPORTUNITIES” In the book of Exodus, we read about a great hero of the faith, Moses, who was asked by God to gather his people and lead them out of Egypt, the place where they were enslaved. For Moses, this involved risking everything, and it came with numerous obstacles; the uprooting of families, Pharaoh’s refusal to let them go, and the rebellion of some of his people. As Moses began to take the people out of Israel, they ended up at the Red Sea. The sea was in front of them and the Egyptians were behind them, and it seemed like there was no hope left, as they were surrounded with no way out. Of course, we all know the miraculous story of Moses leading the people through the Red Sea, but what we often forget is that Moses’ obstacle was actually his greatest opportunity for success. It was because of the Red Sea that the Egyptians were defeated, and God led the Israelites to safety. Obstacles are a part of life, and they always seem to throw themselves at you when you try to take on an opportunity to innovate. For all of us the obstacles are going to look different, but if innovation is a Godly trait, and we are using it for his glory, we can trust that our obstacles are actually opportunities in disguise. Another great Bible story is that of David and Goliath. David was tasked with fighting a giant much bigger than himself, and rather than listening to the conventional wisdom of the time (which was that of wearing armour and fighting Goliath like a warrior), David took a sling and stones and defeated Goliath in a way that had never been done before. Moses was faced with numerous roadblocks, yet he knew God called him to something, so he placed his trust in God. David took a risk that could have backfired with serious repercussions, but he boldly took it, knowing that God was with him. Every day we get a chance to innovate. The question is whether you see opportunities or obstacles. Every Red Sea you face is an opportunity for God to innovate through you so you can go where he has called you to go. Action Point – What obstacles are in your life and how can you change your perspective to see them as opportunities for success?