Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals.
When I was in the second grade I broke my arm at the elbow. It never grew back the way it should have, which I thought was awful. But even back then I used my goofy arm to my advantage -- it was a real attention-getter!
At 18, I had to register for the Draft. As I was leaving the recruitment office with my paperwork the lady at the desk noticed my arm. "What is wrong with your arm?" she asked, and handed me back a new form: "Take this form to your doctor and have him fill it out."
Three weeks later I got a notice in the mail:
"You have been disqualified from military service because of your arm."
Had I been inducted that day, I would have probably been shipped straight to Vietnam -- a country that has never been on my Bucket List of "Places to Visit" . . . . especially in wartime!
All the obstacles and adversities I have had in my life have strengthened me. I might not have realized it at the time, but everything turned out for the best! If you find a path with no obstacles it probably doesn't lead anywhere.
Obstacles and Adversity can be either a prison or a platform.
Don't give up. Obstacles can be overcome through prayer, strategy and learning.
In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33