Founder's Reflections #19 | Thursday, November 21, 2024 | Jesus24365 Ministry |Overcoming Obstacles with Faith and Obedience

Overcoming Obstacles with Faith and Obedience

Founder's Reflections #19 | Thursday, November 21, 2024 | Jesus24365 Ministry |

🙏 Dear Beloved Jesus24365 Community,

❄️ A Fresh Start with Grace

This morning began with a beautiful sight—the first snowfall here in Wisconsin! 🌨️ The fresh blanket of snow felt like a tangible reminder of God's grace covering us, giving us a fresh start. As I moved into my daily routine—morning prayers and diving into the Book of Proverbs—I was reminded of how these daily practices prepare us to follow God's call.

🙌 The Importance of Obedience

Today, being the 21st, I turned to Proverbs 21 and was struck by the wisdom the Lord had for us about obedience and the grace we find when we follow Him, even when it’s challenging.

I want to share a journey that I believe many of you will relate to—a journey of facing obstacles, making difficult choices, and ultimately finding God's grace through obedience. Proverbs 21:3 says:

"To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." (Proverbs 21:3)

This verse reminds us that God values our hearts and daily choices more than any grand gesture we might offer. It’s about living faithfully in the small moments, choosing His will consistently, and finding peace in that obedience.

✨ A Journey of Patience and Temperance

Let me take you along on a recent experience that felt like a pivotal moment—a time when I had to decide between my old, impulsive way of acting and a new, Christ-centered approach.

As I was preparing to write an email to our church leadership about establishing a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, I realized that I had sent similar emails over the past year, and none had borne any fruit. Frustration began to set in, and I was ready to send yet another email.

However, a dear friend’s advice stopped me in my tracks. Instead of rushing ahead, I chose to practice patience and temperance, just as Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

This time, I decided not to send another email that might go unanswered. Instead, I texted my pastor and requested 20–30 minutes of his time at his convenience to discuss the matter personally. 📱 He agreed to meet tomorrow!

This simple act of choosing patience over haste, seeking direct communication rather than repeating ineffective actions, allowed me to experience God’s grace in a fresh way. It also gave me time to reflect and consider how I could take meaningful actions as a leader in the church to get this Bitcoin Strategic Reserve set up, whether or not leadership immediately agreed.

This was a daily choice—just as Proverbs 21:3 teaches—that was 180 degrees different from how I would have acted before walking with Christ.

🌟 Overcoming Obstacles with Faith

What I learned through this experience is that every journey has moments of challenge—those times when it feels like the door is shut, and progress is impossible. Proverbs 21:21 tells us:

"Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor."

Pursuing righteousness and love is not just about receiving blessings; it’s about embodying the character of Jesus in every action. This pursuit empowers us to fulfill our calling and allows God’s grace to flow through us, touching the lives of those around us. For our Jesus24365 Ministry community, this is essential—it’s what empowers us to bring God’s love into every interaction, making His presence known in tangible ways.

🌱 Transformation Through Obedience

Transformation doesn’t come easily—it requires deliberate choices to lean on God rather than our own understanding. When obstacles arise, they test our patience, humility, and faith, urging us to pause and reevaluate our approach. Proverbs 21:13 compels us to reflect deeply on how we respond to others' needs:

"Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered."

This verse reminds us that our faith is not meant to remain inward-focused but should flow outward in service. How often do we act quickly to solve our own challenges but fail to pause and consider how God may be calling us to support someone else?

When we take the time to meet others in their struggles, we align our actions with God’s will and experience His transformative grace. Ask yourself:

Am I actively listening for the cries around me? How can I respond with the love of Christ today?

🛑 Pause and Reflect: What Would Jesus Do?

In moments of frustration or uncertainty, pausing to ask "What would Jesus do?" changes everything. Jesus modeled patience, direct communication, and sacrificial love in the face of obstacles.

When we find ourselves hitting walls—whether in relationships, work, or ministry—we have a choice: to push forward in our own strength or to take a step back, seek God’s guidance, and proceed with humility and purpose.

What walls are you facing today? Consider how slowing down and inviting God into your decision-making might lead to a breakthrough. Remember, His wisdom is perfect, and His grace is sufficient to carry you through every challenge.

🌟 Bold Steps of Faith

Obedience doesn’t always feel easy or logical, but it is through obedience that we often see God’s hand most clearly. Proverbs 21:21 gives us this assurance:

"Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor."

Walking in righteousness is not a passive act—it’s an intentional pursuit that shapes every aspect of our lives. How will you step boldly into obedience today? Whether it’s serving others, changing your approach to a challenge, or simply trusting God’s timing, each act of faith brings you closer to the life He has called you to live.

For some, this might even mean taking practical steps of preparation, such as investing wisely or considering long-term opportunities with a Kingdom mindset. Whatever your step, let it be led by prayer and rooted in trust.

🌿 Final Encouragement

Friends, challenges and obstacles are unavoidable, but our responses define the journey. Use every difficulty as a chance to reflect, grow, and draw closer to God. Let your actions be guided by the question, "What would Jesus do?"

As we move forward together as a community, let’s commit to pursuing righteousness and love, trusting that His grace will meet us in every step of obedience.

What will you do differently today to embody Christ’s love? How can patience, prayer, and faith transform your approach to life’s challenges? Let these reflections inspire action and deepen your trust in God’s perfect plan.✨

✨ Looking Ahead: Jesus24365 Daily #13

Tomorrow’s Jesus24365 Daily #13 will explore Grace in Daily Obedience, diving into how even the smallest, consistent acts of faithfulness allow God’s grace to transform us over time. Imagine waking up each morning with a fresh word of encouragement and practical guidance for your walk with Christ.

By subscribing to Jesus24365 Daily, you’ll receive inspiring reflections delivered straight to your email every morning—bright and early—to help you start your day grounded in His Word and motivated to live out your faith. Let’s take this journey together, one day and one act of obedience at a time.

With all my love and prayers for your journey,

For His Kingdom,

Jeff❤️

P.S.

Your testimony matters! Sharing how God has shown His grace through your steps of obedience could be the encouragement someone else needs to take their own next step of faith. Let’s uplift one another by sharing in the comments below—you never know how your story might inspire someone else.

And if you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe to Jesus24365 Daily for daily inspiration and practical reflections to help you grow closer to Christ. Together, we’ll walk this journey of faith, finding God’s grace in every moment. 🙏✨