Overcoming Barriers

⁵Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; ⁶That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. -Philemon 1:5, 6 (KJV) 

Have you ever noticed just how confusing and complex the English language can be?  I always feel empathy for anyone who comes to America and has to learn English from scratch.  There are more phrases, slang, idioms, and double- meanings than we can imagine.  We can only wonder what it must be like for the non English speaker to wander in a maze of words such as “to” “too” and “two,” “know”  and “no,” “right,” “write,” and “Wright,”  or “cord” and “chord,” to name a few.   

I know this will sound like a stand-up comedy routine, but I was chucking to myself the other day as I pondered the difference between being “locked up” and “locked down.”  I guess if someone were to go out in public and “act up” he would find himself in the “lock-up.” And while there if he didn’t follow the rules he could be on “lock-down.” You see what I mean?  These odd twists of the English language seem to go on and on. 

Consider how the gospel of Jesus Christ is meant to be communicated with others.  Not only does the gospel break down language and cultural barriers, it also breaks down barriers of fear, doubt, anger, and mistrust.  Many people in the world struggle with fear and uncertainty in their lives.  The gospel can shine the light of Christ into troubled lives and provide peace and stability in these difficult times.  People also will sometimes be mistrustful of the gospel and of us.  This is why it’s so important to do as the Bible says and, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they may accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us”  (I Peter 2:12).   

What sort of barriers are you facing today?  Are you in doubt about God’s power to help you through the challenges and difficulties you are going through?  Perhaps you wondering how you will overcome the difficulties you are experiencing and you are filled with conflicting thoughts.  Take heart, for Christ has come to bring peace, joy, and hope even during our darkest nights.  Do not fear and do not panic.  The Lord is with us.  

May we commit ourselves anew to walking by faith, sharing the gospel with others, and letting the Lord have His perfect will in our lives.