“Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way” - Romans 13:14 (NIV).
A stumbling bloc can be compared to a road bloc standing in the way to a destination. During the days of some of the worst regimes in Uganda encountering a roadblock was a most dreaded experience. One could be detained and kept back, till possibly mercy prevailed and let go. There were those who were not so lucky. Stopped and held back at a road bloc, that was the last they were ever seen. A road bloc was a stumbling bloc for one eager to travel around the country.
Jesus once rebuked his disciple Peter after he raised a certain matter, “But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s” (Mathew 16:23). Elsewhere he also castigated the religious leaders of the day for putting up conditions that hindered others from knowing God, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in” (Mathew 23:13).
The Apostle Paul once noted that one believer could also become stumbling bloc to another, like where he indulged in a certain matter that caused distress to another. Knowing that the eating of meat was an issue for some he cautioned the mature believers, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Cor 8:9). What Paul is here noting that there are certain things we could indulge in at the expense of fellow brethren, and why stress the matter, just give it up for the sake of mutual edification.
Personal relations can be strained because of a stumbling bloc that has come in the way. For example, a certain brother might have hurt another, and is owed an apology. Yet, by failing to consider saying “sorry”, perhaps making light of the situation that caused offense, his pride becomes a stumbling bloc.
Then there is also the sharing of the Gospel. While a preacher could be doing everything right there might be those close to him, not warming up to his sermon, because there is matter that has becoming a stumbling bloc. “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,” Jesus advised, “leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (Mathew 5:24).
What is the stumbling bloc affecting your relationship with God? Perhaps, it might help to look around and see if there is any, and deal with it.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, help me deal with that stumbling bock in way of my knowing and experiencing your goodness, this I pray in Jesus’s name
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04/05/2024 - 05/05/2024 All day“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 NKJV)
Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Moses had passed on, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.
Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through His word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).
Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming from our experience as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of undetermined length. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from nowhere and we seemed all submerged.
The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we walk in that confidence.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
