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Little Obstacles, Big God
W
by Jeff Pitts
e got a “Pandemic Puppy” like most of the rest
between drowning and death, God can make a way through. It
of the world. While the world had essentially
was always to be a reminder that between God and obstacles,
stopped, our family (truly our kids) thought it
God wins.
was the perfect moment to get a dog. Winston Bishop Pitts has been a full family member for over a year now. Winston
The prophet Isaiah set out to remind Israel of the big miracle: Isaiah 43:16-19. The Lord via the prophet was saying,
is half Yorkshire Terrier and half Jack Russell—his demeanor reflects both. Much like Superman, Winston can leap over tall couches in a single bound. Yet, the other day while I was doing some DIY projects in the hallway, I preferred that Winston keep his paws out of the paint. So, I set up a little baby gate. Now let us reflect: the dog can clear the entire couch with a single jump. The baby gate is only 18 inches tall. Yet, Winston glared and barked and growled at this little obstacle. The truth of the matter is he could have pounced over the gate at any moment, but he never did. He just complained again and again over the gate that stood between him and the hallway. Often in the Old Testament, there is a reflection back to the Red Sea Crossing which serves as a remembrance of how
“Remember that Red Sea obstacle? Yeah, I took care of that.
great Yahweh was to Israel. Pardon the crude connection, but
Now forget it, because I am going to do something new.” He
God’s Red Sea moment is like Winston leaping over the couch
was not saying to forget who parted the Red Sea. He wants
in a single bound. Yet, over and over, Israel finds itself with
them to remember the who, just not get stuck on the what.
lesser obstacles and in more trouble. Israel has a God on their
Sometimes, we get so caught in what God has done that we
side who parts seas but finds themselves often complaining of
fail to see what He is wanting to do. The only reason to reflect
smaller challenges.
on what God has done in our past is to serve as a reminder
This sounds a little like us.
of His power in the present. I think we all need to get a little
My theology leads me to believe that the Lord allows
forgetful, not in His power but the process. The miracle of
obstacles to test our faith and trust in Him (see Job). Other
today, the removing or maneuvering through the obstacle you
times, I think our choices and decisions lead us down paths
face now will not be performed the same way as before, but the
toward challenges of our own making. We sit in front of that
power of God to do the miracle remains the same.
gate in our life like Winston, barking and complaining about the
So, as you stare at the gate like Winston, remember what is
challenge in front of us, when on our side is God that can either
possible with God. Are you going to complain or trust in what
remove the gate or get us over it. We just fail to call on Him.
God is capable of doing in your present? Do not let the little
The Old Testament reflection of the Red Sea was never a
things keep you from the big things God has for you.
moment to state that God would duplicate the miracle. It is not make a dry way. It serves as an anchoring point that no obstacle is too big for God. It serves as a reminder that when caught
26 // November 2021
About The Author
a literal stand at your local river, grab a stick, and see if God will
Jeff Pitts pastors The Collectives Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. He is also the co-host of The Leadership Drip podcast. He is an avid coffee drinker and die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. He lives in Cleveland with his wife Rachael.
