07/30/09- OBSTACLES - A Lesson from Solomon
My sophomore year of high school I was determined to be the student government president. I campaigned for weeks beforehand, attempting to bribe my fellow classmates with lollipops and cool stickers.  The day of the election arrived and I passionately delivered my speech in front of the school. While my speech went over pretty well, someone stood in my way. A student who was just a little older, a little funnier, and a little more athletic won the election.

King David's son, Solomon, had a much bigger dilemma then a high school election. While Solomon was lined up to become the next king of Israel, his brother had other ideas. Adonijah, Solomon's brother, knew his dad was nearing the end of his life and "put himself forward and said, 'I will be king.'" (1 Kings 1:5b) Although Adonijah attempted to steal Solomon's destiny, in the end, Solomon became the wisest man in the world and ruled Israel for 40 years.

Like Solomon, God has a specific purpose for your life. He has created you to fulfill that purpose but you will always have people in your life that stand in your way. Maybe they are a little cooler, a little more popular, or get better grades than you do. Yet God's promise for you cannot be undone by anyone.  If you follow his commands and live your life in a way that pleases him, you'll walk in victory.  King David told his son, "Walk in God's ways, and keep his decrees and commands...so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go" (1 Kings 2:3)

Because of God's faithfulness, I was able to serve my peers as class president my senior year. God has incredible plans for your life too and no one can stand in your way when you trust in him.