Overcoming Obstacles and Life's Challenges

We celebrated our Small Group Anniversary by holding an Obstacle Course Race Team Building last May.

Our group experienced different challenging physical obstacles that tested our speed, endurance, and agility. A warm-up commenced the session, followed by some drills before the actual race/relay. The goal in an Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) is to outrun your opponents while also overcoming a set of obstacles. It's like the American Ninja Warrior (if you are familiar with it).

We were divided into two teams. red and blue. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to join them because I'm currently pregnant. But I enjoyed watching and capturing their photos. 

After the race, we all gathered for a short devotion and to process the entire experience. We shared different lessons and how they can relate to our life's challenges. Here's what we learned from this adventure:

1. Keep your eyes on the goal.

We have one goal before we start and that is to win the race and finish strong. Despite the exhausted, aching bodies, and obstacles, if you know your goal, you will endure and you'll finish well.

In our Christian life, we run the race of faith and we win by persevering in faith and getting to the finish line. As long as we fixed our eyes on Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith. He will strengthen us to endure and finish strong.

2. Get out of your comfort zone.

At times we felt intimidated and almost giving up, our coaches encouraged us to go on. They believe that we can do it thru their assistance and guidance. They pushed us and helped us overcome our fears and hesitations.

God will bring us out of our comfort zone to accomplish His assignment for us. Sometimes, it only takes the first step of obedience. I am always reminded of that God is not after our comfort, He is in the business of transforming us into Christlikeness.

3. Stay humble.

One of our members had a bad sprain after her fall. But she gave a very good realization. She learned to stay humble and not to be too confident in oneself. It's a very good reminder for every one of us too. Not because we've gone this far in our journey, we are to boast on our selves. We are to be willing to accept help from others. After all, "two head are better than one".

4. There is no lone ranger in our journey.

We need each other in our spiritual walk. There is "strength in numbers" indeed. We need each other to encourage, inspire, rebuke and help us to be a better person. We need people who will guide and encourage us as we make our first step. People who will push us to our limits because they believe in our capacity. It feels good knowing that you are not alone in this journey of life and that someone is there willing to lift you up every time you fall.

God created us for a community and we are so blessed to belong to a community of believers who are passionate for Christ.

5. Holistic growth.

If we strive to be healthy spiritually, we are also reminded to be good stewards of our physical body. We cannot fulfill our assignment if we are weak and feeble. We are reminded to take good care of the temple of the Holy Spirit by being mindful of what we eat and how we use our bodies.

"The race of faith is life’s journey for the Christian." We are all blessed by this event. We learned a lot from the race and most importantly, from the sharing about overcoming obstacles in life.

Kudos to our OCR Coaches Sarah and Ken for sharing their skills, talent and passion!

Our group had a blast and my kids too. I hope to be able to try these in the future, maybe a part two?

We'll see..