The CEB Blog - Overcoming Obstacles 

Overcoming Obstacles 

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:8, 9). 

Israel had faced obstacles from day one. From fighting kings who kidnapped relatives (Genesis 14) to life-threatening famine (Genesis 41—43) to slavery and attempted genocide under a tyrannical leader (Exodus 1) to the Red Sea which left them vulnerable to Pharaoh’s army as they fled for freedom (Exodus 14) to hunger and thirst (Exodus 16, 17) to the passing of an entire generation in the wilderness due to unbelief (Numbers 14) to evil enemies who plotted their demise (Numbers 22—25) to the death of a revered leader (Deuteronomy 34), God’s children knew what it was like to meet obstacles in their attempt to obey Him. So, when Joshua picked up the mantle of leadership from Moses, he knew success would only come through challenges. This is why God encouraged him to courageously dismiss his doubts and fears and to lean on the only formula for success Israel had ever known: faithful dependence upon God and obedience to His Word. Joshua would only lead Israel successfully over every obstacle that stood in front of them by trusting God and courageously doing what God said. 

This formula has not changed over the course of time. Throughout the last two thousand years, no matter what obstacles God’s enemies have thrown in front of them, churches have come to expect and enjoy success by the same encouragement: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth…and then thou shalt have good success…for the Lord thy God is with thee” (Joshua 1:8, 9). Whatever you are planning to help your church fulfill the Great Commission, do not be surprised when obstacles come, but plan for success by staying true to the Word of God and courageously, intentionally obeying all He has commanded. Certainly, God is with those who humbly, obediently depend upon Him. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Mark Clements 

Editor in Chief 

Bogard Press 

Read more about “Overcoming Obstacles in Vacation Bible School” here (https://bogardpress.org/blog/post/vbs-blog-2024-overcoming-obstacles):