Comments on: The Necessity of Obstacles, Part 1 http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html Intentional Leadership Sun, 27 May 2012 14:40:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Danna http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-162172 Danna Fri, 25 May 2012 05:02:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-162172 Michael, I know of this book and it's cancellation. I was greatly impressed by the integrity at Nelson when I heard how this was handled. It's removal from the market is one of the reasons that I ended up writing my first book on a very similar subject. My pastor pulled the program associated with this book from our church when he learned of the author's theology. He knew I'd been teaching on this subject for years with biblical integrity and encouraged me to fill the gap. The "success" of the author you mention was an important lesson for me. All works that hit the bestseller list are not necessarily blessed by God. AND...those that don't are not failures. Michael, I know of this book and it’s cancellation. I was greatly impressed by the integrity at Nelson when I heard how this was handled. It’s removal from the market is one of the reasons that I ended up writing my first book on a very similar subject. My pastor pulled the program associated with this book from our church when he learned of the author’s theology. He knew I’d been teaching on this subject for years with biblical integrity and encouraged me to fill the gap. The “success” of the author you mention was an important lesson for me. All works that hit the bestseller list are not necessarily blessed by God. AND…those that don’t are not failures.

]]> By: The Necessity of Obstacles, Part 1 « apologetics workshop http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-154684 The Necessity of Obstacles, Part 1 « apologetics workshop Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:52:56 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-154684 [...] by Michael Hyatt | Original [...] [...] by Michael Hyatt | Original [...]

]]> By: Daniel L. Mc Nab http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-107908 Daniel L. Mc Nab Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:29:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-107908 Michael, I praise God for men of integrity like yourself. It is heartening to know that there are Godly men like you especially when we contemplate the times in which we live. I have just had my first publication through your company's subsidiary, and I am truly encouraged. I praise God that you fearlessly stood for right even if the heavens should. Daniel L. McNab Th.D. Michael, I praise God for men of integrity like yourself. It is heartening to know that there are Godly men like you especially when we contemplate the times in which we live. I have just had my first publication through your company’s subsidiary, and I am truly encouraged. I praise God that you fearlessly stood for right even if the heavens should.
Daniel L. McNab Th.D.

]]> By: How To Creating a Life Plan http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-89727 How To Creating a Life Plan Sat, 26 Feb 2011 17:40:22 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-89727 [...] live your life on purpose. It begins by creating a “Life Plan.” This won’t insulate you from life’s many adversities and unexpected twists and turns, but it will help you become an active participant in your life, [...] [...] live your life on purpose. It begins by creating a “Life Plan.” This won’t insulate you from life’s many adversities and unexpected twists and turns, but it will help you become an active participant in your life, [...]

]]> By: Creating a Life Plan http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-86459 Creating a Life Plan Sun, 06 Feb 2011 14:08:05 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-86459 [...] on purpose. It begins by creating a “Life Plan.” This won’t insulate you from life’s many adversities and unexpected twists and turns, but it will help you become an active participant in your life, [...] [...] on purpose. It begins by creating a “Life Plan.” This won’t insulate you from life’s many adversities and unexpected twists and turns, but it will help you become an active participant in your life, [...]

]]> By: Jody T Fransch http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-32280 Jody T Fransch Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:34:01 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-32280 Thanks for writing this and including your personal experience...just goes to show that as Christians it is possible to keep our heads and stick to principle while everyone around us are losing theirs. Thanks for writing this and including your personal experience…just goes to show that as Christians it is possible to keep our heads and stick to principle while everyone around us are losing theirs.

]]> By: It’s been a big week on the worldnetoverse « Leighton Hart http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-28214 It’s been a big week on the worldnetoverse « Leighton Hart Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:50:04 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-28214 [...] The Necessity of Obstacles, Part 1 [...] [...] The Necessity of Obstacles, Part 1 [...]

]]> By: links « blindly pursuing life http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-28149 links « blindly pursuing life Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:21:34 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-28149 [...] Hyatt has a great blog.  I read it every day.  This post about the necessity of obstacles is worth checking [...] [...] Hyatt has a great blog.  I read it every day.  This post about the necessity of obstacles is worth checking [...]

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27390 Michael Hyatt Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:08:20 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27390 We publish 700 new books a year. We have internal <a href="http:\/\/michaelhyatt.com\/2006\/12\/editorial-standards-a-time-for-clarity.html" target="_blank">content standards that we follow.</a> And, yes, I believe the American Patriot's Bible falls safely under this umbrella. We publish 700 new books a year. We have internal content standards that we follow. And, yes, I believe the American Patriot's Bible falls safely under this umbrella.

]]> By: JMKelley http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27386 JMKelley Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:54:50 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27386 Excellent post. (I am very curious now who this author was and what doctrine was so unorthodox!) I am wondering, and hoping you will address in another post, the controversy over The American Patriot's Bible. From reading this post, I assume you find the theology represented in that product to be acceptable and not heretical in any way. Do you approve for publication books with which you may not personally agree, so long as they are not overtly counter to traditional church doctrine? Excellent post. (I am very curious now who this author was and what doctrine was so unorthodox!) I am wondering, and hoping you will address in another post, the controversy over The American Patriot's Bible. From reading this post, I assume you find the theology represented in that product to be acceptable and not heretical in any way. Do you approve for publication books with which you may not personally agree, so long as they are not overtly counter to traditional church doctrine?

]]> By: KarlaAkins http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27189 KarlaAkins Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:58:36 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27189 My greatest obstacle has been autism's challenges. But the rewards have been immense. My greatest obstacle has been autism's challenges. But the rewards have been immense.

]]> By: The Necessity of Obstacles, Part 2 | Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27172 The Necessity of Obstacles, Part 2 | Michael Hyatt Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:26:27 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27172 [...] The Necessity of Obstacles, Part 1 [...] [...] The Necessity of Obstacles, Part 1 [...]

]]> By: Anne Lang Bundy http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27164 Anne Lang Bundy Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:46:23 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27164 Mike! You've shared some pretty powerful stuff before. I can't think of what else you've written that might top this. Now I'm sorry this sat in my inbox for a day. Only because you're asking readers to do so, I'll share that I was also once in a situation to confront bad theology—bad enough to directly affront the blood with which we are saved. I waited for people in more authority than me to confront the speaker and they remained silent. As my zeal for God's holiness grew, the Holy Spirit compelled me to confront the speaker, right there, where the message would be disputed. [I can feel the fear I had then as I write this.] But the Lord provided the words as well as the courage. I expected and immediately received repercussions. Much later, I was fully vindicated by faithful Christians. I learned that day that if God compels us to speak, He'll provide the words, the boldness, and, in time, a worthy reward. Mike! You've shared some pretty powerful stuff before. I can't think of what else you've written that might top this. Now I'm sorry this sat in my inbox for a day.

Only because you're asking readers to do so, I'll share that I was also once in a situation to confront bad theology—bad enough to directly affront the blood with which we are saved. I waited for people in more authority than me to confront the speaker and they remained silent. As my zeal for God's holiness grew, the Holy Spirit compelled me to confront the speaker, right there, where the message would be disputed. [I can feel the fear I had then as I write this.] But the Lord provided the words as well as the courage. I expected and immediately received repercussions. Much later, I was fully vindicated by faithful Christians.

I learned that day that if God compels us to speak, He'll provide the words, the boldness, and, in time, a worthy reward.

]]> By: Noel Pentony http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27146 Noel Pentony Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:58:42 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27146 Thank you Mike. I sure needed this. May God Bless you and use you to teach from your close walk with Him. May we also learn to walk just as close. Thank you Mike. I sure needed this. May God Bless you and use you to teach from your close walk with Him. May we also learn to walk just as close.

]]> By: Kyle L. Olund http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27127 Kyle L. Olund Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:22:27 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27127 Mike, I remember that day well! You had the complete support of the whole team, and we were convinced that God would honor your decision. That's why so many people continue to follow you confidently, knowing that God and His Word trumps everything. Mike, I remember that day well! You had the complete support of the whole team, and we were convinced that God would honor your decision. That's why so many people continue to follow you confidently, knowing that God and His Word trumps everything.

]]> By: Daniel Decker http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27126 Daniel Decker Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:00:58 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27126 That is powerful. I true testament to a defining moment. I think life is a series of tests. If we pass, we move forward. If we don’t then we unfortunately have to repeat the lesson until we can pass the test. And every now and then God tosses in a pop quiz just to keep us on our toes to make sure we haven’t forgot what we were supposed to already know. :) So easy, in situations like yours above, to justify. To find tiny fragments to hold onto versus doing the right thing. Money / commerce often taints that decision making and adds fuel to the justification fire. Would have been so easy for you guys to find ways to justify printing it, bowing to the pressure of $ over what is right. Kudos for taking a stand and passing the test. That is powerful. I true testament to a defining moment. I think life is a series of tests. If we pass, we move forward. If we don’t then we unfortunately have to repeat the lesson until we can pass the test. And every now and then God tosses in a pop quiz just to keep us on our toes to make sure we haven’t forgot what we were supposed to already know. :)

So easy, in situations like yours above, to justify. To find tiny fragments to hold onto versus doing the right thing. Money / commerce often taints that decision making and adds fuel to the justification fire. Would have been so easy for you guys to find ways to justify printing it, bowing to the pressure of $ over what is right. Kudos for taking a stand and passing the test.

]]> By: Derek http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27116 Derek Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:16:14 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27116 Michael This is a great post. I needed that. Thanks for blessing us with your vast experience Michael
This is a great post. I needed that. Thanks for blessing us with your vast experience

]]> By: patriciazell http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27099 patriciazell Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:19:41 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27099 Over the years, I have faced numerous obstacles ranging from my husband almost dying twice to poverty to marital discord to an upheaval in my personal identity. God has been faithful to lead me through those land mines (and others) without any lasting harm to me and my family. His love is absolute--perfect, complete, and real. I do have another comment. I don't understand why we rely on things that were written centuries ago in order to understand the Bible. (Many of the early understandings of the Bible came while people believed the sun and moon revolved around the earth.) Why do we look backwards for what we believe? The Bible has been translated into more modern terminology so we can understand it. We know the Bible, like most other written works, is full of figurative language. Also, let's face it, the traditional "interpretations" have not led to any semblance of peace on earth, good will toward man. I believe God is in the process of helping us update our understandings of the Bible. The power of His absolute love expressed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit will enable us to overcome and put down the evil that pervades our world. Over the years, I have faced numerous obstacles ranging from my husband almost dying twice to poverty to marital discord to an upheaval in my personal identity. God has been faithful to lead me through those land mines (and others) without any lasting harm to me and my family. His love is absolute–perfect, complete, and real.

I do have another comment. I don't understand why we rely on things that were written centuries ago in order to understand the Bible. (Many of the early understandings of the Bible came while people believed the sun and moon revolved around the earth.) Why do we look backwards for what we believe? The Bible has been translated into more modern terminology so we can understand it. We know the Bible, like most other written works, is full of figurative language. Also, let's face it, the traditional "interpretations" have not led to any semblance of peace on earth, good will toward man. I believe God is in the process of helping us update our understandings of the Bible. The power of His absolute love expressed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit will enable us to overcome and put down the evil that pervades our world.

]]> By: patriciazell http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27098 patriciazell Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:43:38 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27098 I agree with you. As long as we believe God is the force behind the bad things that lead to our destruction, death, and loss, we are hindered in our ability to overcome them. Jesus came so we might have the life that is more abundant than the bad things in our lives. On the cross, Christ demolished the wall Satan built between God and the human race when he (Satan) conned Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Now, nothing stands between God and the human race, and anyone can access God's absolute love through Christ. Anyone can receive the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom he /she needs to overcome any and all obstacles thrown in his/her path. I agree with you. As long as we believe God is the force behind the bad things that lead to our destruction, death, and loss, we are hindered in our ability to overcome them. Jesus came so we might have the life that is more abundant than the bad things in our lives. On the cross, Christ demolished the wall Satan built between God and the human race when he (Satan) conned Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Now, nothing stands between God and the human race, and anyone can access God's absolute love through Christ. Anyone can receive the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom he /she needs to overcome any and all obstacles thrown in his/her path.

]]> By: lizaroonie http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27096 lizaroonie Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:58:41 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27096 Mike, you and I met when you were with Regnery and we were both helping to prepare others to coalesce and prepare for potential disasters (whatever they might be) that impacted entire communities. Clearly, you have honed your skills throughout your career. It is most inspiring to watch the acceleration since the turn of the century, of your career. Through your books and leadership, now played out at Thomas Nelson, I believe I admire most, your attention to lovingly father five adoring daughters, and your abiding affection and deep respect and admiration for Gail. Of course, it is unlikely that any of your “success” would be achieved without God’s grace applied to your life and His continual “watching over” you and your sphere of influence. Yet, even in that recognition, we who find ourselves dipping into your well, also concede that it is your suppleness and surrender to Him that marks your path. You may well have assumed Sam Moore’s spot at Thomas Nelson, but his ballast “is” the mainstay of the company he began so long ago, and upon whose shoulders you stand. What a great tribute to his integrity and yours that you are able to wonderfully and authentically disarm us with this crossroad in your life. Every day we are called upon to make decisions that involve character and walking uprightly. We serve a great God who has given us everything we need for life and godliness – to make Godly choices to honor Him and not succumb to the evil that lay waiting in our path. As I “tweeted” early to my Facebook status, “despite color, creed, or conviction; regardless if you're captivating, competent, or cultivated; if you lack character it's calamitous.” I give you “props” for making a decision that a decade later, you can blog about to bring encouragement to many. Mike, you and I met when you were with Regnery and we were both helping to prepare others to coalesce and prepare for potential disasters (whatever they might be) that impacted entire communities. Clearly, you have honed your skills throughout your career. It is most inspiring to watch the acceleration since the turn of the century, of your career. Through your books and leadership, now played out at Thomas Nelson, I believe I admire most, your attention to lovingly father five adoring daughters, and your abiding affection and deep respect and admiration for Gail. Of course, it is unlikely that any of your “success” would be achieved without God’s grace applied to your life and His continual “watching over” you and your sphere of influence. Yet, even in that recognition, we who find ourselves dipping into your well, also concede that it is your suppleness and surrender to Him that marks your path. You may well have assumed Sam Moore’s spot at Thomas Nelson, but his ballast “is” the mainstay of the company he began so long ago, and upon whose shoulders you stand. What a great tribute to his integrity and yours that you are able to wonderfully and authentically disarm us with this crossroad in your life. Every day we are called upon to make decisions that involve character and walking uprightly. We serve a great God who has given us everything we need for life and godliness – to make Godly choices to honor Him and not succumb to the evil that lay waiting in our path. As I “tweeted” early to my Facebook status, “despite color, creed, or conviction; regardless if you're captivating, competent, or cultivated; if you lack character it's calamitous.” I give you “props” for making a decision that a decade later, you can blog about to bring encouragement to many.

]]> By: Chrystie Cole http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27092 Chrystie Cole Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:05:29 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27092 Really great post! I love that you held to your convictions! Really great post! I love that you held to your convictions!

]]> By: Byron http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27091 Byron Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:20:57 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27091 I’m very pleased to see your reply, Michael. I’ve actually read each of the post you referenced and reviewed your archive under the leadership tab before I posted my first reply. I think this is just one of those things that I need to authentically experience through trial and error. Words are just words until you really experience the message through life. Plus, if I would have been present enough to catch the last bit of your post – “Tomorrow, I will address why obstacles are not only inevitable in the pursuit of our vision but necessary and how we can embrace them” – I would have realized that the mentoring I sought may be forthcoming. Between my last post and this reply, I took a power nap, gave Matthew 6:25-7:14 a read, and decided we needed a SWOT analysis to remind us of our strengths and a strategic plan to leverage them. I just went through this process for a non-profit that I’m a part of and I think it has given us new life during a difficult time for organizations that rely on grants and donations. I just need to convince our center’s leader of the virtues of this process. Thank-you. I’m very pleased to see your reply, Michael. I’ve actually read each of the post you referenced and reviewed your archive under the leadership tab before I posted my first reply. I think this is just one of those things that I need to authentically experience through trial and error. Words are just words until you really experience the message through life. Plus, if I would have been present enough to catch the last bit of your post – “Tomorrow, I will address why obstacles are not only inevitable in the pursuit of our vision but necessary and how we can embrace them” – I would have realized that the mentoring I sought may be forthcoming. Between my last post and this reply, I took a power nap, gave Matthew 6:25-7:14 a read, and decided we needed a SWOT analysis to remind us of our strengths and a strategic plan to leverage them. I just went through this process for a non-profit that I’m a part of and I think it has given us new life during a difficult time for organizations that rely on grants and donations. I just need to convince our center’s leader of the virtues of this process. Thank-you.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27089 Michael Hyatt Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:44:09 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27089 Now THAT is a story—all of which God will use in the lives of others. Just watch. Now THAT is a story—all of which God will use in the lives of others. Just watch.

]]> By: A.W. Noble http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27084 A.W. Noble Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:02:20 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27084 Michael, I love reading your blog and gaining the experience of your wisdom on a regular basis. This particular story of going in the knowledge and confidence of the Lord's involvement to a decision point (my paraphrase) is universally useful. I have a different perspective on the way God works, though, given his sovereignty in this world. I believe that God allows obstacles to occur but he is not the one who puts them there. He absolutely uses them for his purposes, but our freewill and Satan's work in the world are encompassed in the obstacles--rather than God doing the obstacle-building. It may be semantics, but I think God is not in the business of thwarting us (his handiwork) by placing obstacles in our way, but in reminding the enemy that he (the enemy) is the vanquished oppressor whose reign has ended. Thanks again for your insight--keep them coming! Michael, I love reading your blog and gaining the experience of your wisdom on a regular basis. This particular story of going in the knowledge and confidence of the Lord's involvement to a decision point (my paraphrase) is universally useful. I have a different perspective on the way God works, though, given his sovereignty in this world. I believe that God allows obstacles to occur but he is not the one who puts them there. He absolutely uses them for his purposes, but our freewill and Satan's work in the world are encompassed in the obstacles–rather than God doing the obstacle-building. It may be semantics, but I think God is not in the business of thwarting us (his handiwork) by placing obstacles in our way, but in reminding the enemy that he (the enemy) is the vanquished oppressor whose reign has ended. Thanks again for your insight–keep them coming!

]]> By: Joe http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27083 Joe Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:24:37 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27083 Michael-yours is the only blog I read regularly, posts like this are the reason why. Thanks for your candor and sharing this early career threatening quandry. I feel like I've had a charmed life until this year. In the course of getting ready to celebrate our 30th year anniversary, the woman I still deeply love asked me for a divorce--completely out of the blue. That was January. This June, I had a heart attack, a week after after getting off meds for blood pressure and cholesterol due to mid-life health changes that have taken my weight down significantly and lowered my blood pressure to it's lowest in years. In between, I had a job change within the company that I work for--brought about by the uncertain economic times. 2009 has been a year of obstacles--but as you write--opportunities come to us as obstacles. Each day I ask the Lord to help me remember I'm not in control. He leads, I follow. Michael-yours is the only blog I read regularly, posts like this are the reason why. Thanks for your candor and sharing this early career threatening quandry. I feel like I've had a charmed life until this year. In the course of getting ready to celebrate our 30th year anniversary, the woman I still deeply love asked me for a divorce–completely out of the blue. That was January. This June, I had a heart attack, a week after after getting off meds for blood pressure and cholesterol due to mid-life health changes that have taken my weight down significantly and lowered my blood pressure to it's lowest in years. In between, I had a job change within the company that I work for–brought about by the uncertain economic times. 2009 has been a year of obstacles–but as you write–opportunities come to us as obstacles. Each day I ask the Lord to help me remember I'm not in control. He leads, I follow.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27081 Michael Hyatt Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:32:47 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27081 Here are a couple of places to start: <ul> <li><a href="http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/02/7-ways-to-keep-your-spirit-up-in-a-down-economy.html" target="_blank">7 Ways to Keep Your Spirit Up in a Down Economy</a></li> <li><a href="http://michaelhyatt.com/2008/11/two-things-great-leaders-must-do-in-turbulent-times.html" target="_blank">Two Things Great Leaders Must Do in Turbulent Times</a></li> </ul> Let me know if these don't answer your question. Thanks. Here are a couple of places to start:

Let me know if these don't answer your question. Thanks.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27080 Michael Hyatt Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:32:35 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27080 Here are a couple of places to start: <ul> <li><a href="http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/02/7-ways-to-keep-your-spirit-up-in-a-down-economy.html" target="_blank">7 Ways to Keep Your Spirit Up in a Down Economy</a></li> <li><a href="http://michaelhyatt.com/2008/11/two-things-great-leaders-must-do-in-turbulent-times.html" target="_blank">Two Things Great Leaders Must Do in Turbulent Times</a></li> </ul> Let me know if these don't answer your question. Thanks. Here are a couple of places to start:

Let me know if these don't answer your question. Thanks.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27079 Michael Hyatt Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:32:16 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27079 Here are a couple of places to start: <ul> <li><a href="http:\/\/michaelhyatt.com\/2009\/02\/7-ways-to-keep-your-spirit-up-in-a-down-economy.html" target="_blank">7 Ways to Keep Your Spirit Up in a Down Economy</a></li> <li><a href="http:\/\/michaelhyatt.com\/2008\/11\/two-things-great-leaders-must-do-in-turbulent-times.html" target="_blank">Two Things Great Leaders Must Do in Turbulent Times</a></li> </ul> Let me know if these don't answer your question. Thanks. Here are a couple of places to start:

Let me know if these don't answer your question. Thanks.

]]> By: Byron http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27075 Byron Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:20:35 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27075 Michael, I’ve been reading your blog regularly since October, 2008. It’s one of my pleasures and on several occasions I’ve felt inclined to post a comment. This message couldn’t have posted at a better time for me. I began a new position at a prominent research university just a few months ago. It has been a tough go as my primary responsibility is to make the best of a struggling project that may have negative repercussions for the future of my colleagues, and possibly my own career. I’ve been the bearer of bad news in almost all of our meetings and I find my signature optimism eroding. I’ve been in many tough situations before, but not many where I needed to be the guy that communicates our difficult “current reality” and be the guy who fixes it at the same time– ala Creating a Life Plan and the Quarterly Review. Would you mind considering a post that provides some advice on how to bring the spirits of a team up during difficult times? More specifically, do you have wisdom on how to maintain realistic optimism during crucial conversations? I define realistic optimism as having a deep understanding of one’s “current reality” while having clarity with the direction you’re headed. Michael, I’ve been reading your blog regularly since October, 2008. It’s one of my pleasures and on several occasions I’ve felt inclined to post a comment. This message couldn’t have posted at a better time for me. I began a new position at a prominent research university just a few months ago. It has been a tough go as my primary responsibility is to make the best of a struggling project that may have negative repercussions for the future of my colleagues, and possibly my own career. I’ve been the bearer of bad news in almost all of our meetings and I find my signature optimism eroding. I’ve been in many tough situations before, but not many where I needed to be the guy that communicates our difficult “current reality” and be the guy who fixes it at the same time– ala Creating a Life Plan and the Quarterly Review. Would you mind considering a post that provides some advice on how to bring the spirits of a team up during difficult times? More specifically, do you have wisdom on how to maintain realistic optimism during crucial conversations? I define realistic optimism as having a deep understanding of one’s “current reality” while having clarity with the direction you’re headed.

]]> By: Jeff http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27074 Jeff Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:03:04 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27074 Great story, Michael. I am continually impressed and encouraged by your tidbits of wisdom and life experience. I faced a similar, but not as serious, decision just the other day. A business client had refused to pay for my company's services (they were a small church and could no longer afford it), despite the fact that they had agreed to do so some months before. They canceled the service midway and offered to pay me to finish the job. It may not sound like too difficult of a decision to make, but it certainly was hard at the time. Given the personal relationship with the church that I had and the fact that I was legally within my rights to help them (we don't have a policy against this), I really wrestled with it. But I prayed, talked to my wife, and decided against it. I've felt peace ever since. Thanks again for your story; it's another confirmation that I did the right thing. Great story, Michael. I am continually impressed and encouraged by your tidbits of wisdom and life experience. I faced a similar, but not as serious, decision just the other day.

A business client had refused to pay for my company's services (they were a small church and could no longer afford it), despite the fact that they had agreed to do so some months before. They canceled the service midway and offered to pay me to finish the job.

It may not sound like too difficult of a decision to make, but it certainly was hard at the time. Given the personal relationship with the church that I had and the fact that I was legally within my rights to help them (we don't have a policy against this), I really wrestled with it. But I prayed, talked to my wife, and decided against it. I've felt peace ever since.

Thanks again for your story; it's another confirmation that I did the right thing.

]]> By: Integrity « michaelhigh.com http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27067 Integrity « michaelhigh.com Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:19:30 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27067 [...] http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html [...] [...] http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html [...]

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27071 Michael Hyatt Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:17:12 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27071 Amen. God doesn't waste a thing! Amen. God doesn't waste a thing!

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27070 Michael Hyatt Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:16:42 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27070 Wow. Thanks! Wow. Thanks!

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27069 Michael Hyatt Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:16:11 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27069 For me, I rarely have the chance to apply the same lesson to the same situation. Every new situation is a new challenge to grow and stretch. For me, I rarely have the chance to apply the same lesson to the same situation. Every new situation is a new challenge to grow and stretch.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27068 Michael Hyatt Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:15:10 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27068 I completely understand. When I drill down, it is usually me. The good news is that that is the one thing you have the most control of! I completely understand. When I drill down, it is usually me. The good news is that that is the one thing you have the most control of!

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27065 Michael Hyatt Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:14:02 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27065 Honestly, I think I have learned more about God and faith via money—or the lack thereof—than anything else. I have gone through some very hard things, but I wouldn't trade what I have learned. Honestly, I think I have learned more about God and faith via money—or the lack thereof—than anything else. I have gone through some very hard things, but I wouldn't trade what I have learned.

]]> By: jeffcrab http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27063 jeffcrab Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:56:48 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27063 I certainly agree that God places obsticles in our path - but I believe He does so for a different reason. When Jesus said that we had to come to him as infants, I believe that means that we had to come to Him as desperate and incapable of doing anything on our own as that infant is. Why? Because He wants us to be 100% dependant on Him - not 50/50 or even 1/99. God's greatest desire is not our development, but our dependancy on Him. Obsticles are there not to make us anything - but to make Him everything. To strip us of our self reliance - build our self reliance. What was wrong with the Parisee in Luke 18:9-14? He believed that he had become what God had created him to be. The Tax collector was justified before God because he knew he had become nothing. I certainly agree that God places obsticles in our path – but I believe He does so for a different reason. When Jesus said that we had to come to him as infants, I believe that means that we had to come to Him as desperate and incapable of doing anything on our own as that infant is. Why? Because He wants us to be 100% dependant on Him – not 50/50 or even 1/99. God's greatest desire is not our development, but our dependancy on Him. Obsticles are there not to make us anything – but to make Him everything. To strip us of our self reliance – build our self reliance. What was wrong with the Parisee in Luke 18:9-14? He believed that he had become what God had created him to be. The Tax collector was justified before God because he knew he had become nothing.

]]> By: Forrest http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27064 Forrest Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:56:17 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27064 Michael, I respect the courage of your convictions in this. With all the junk that's being published today under the umbrella of evangelical Christianity, there must be alot of hard choices for publishers. As a published author, I often wince when I look through some of the questionable Christian books in stores while I struggle in the long process to get published. Michael, I respect the courage of your convictions in this. With all the junk that's being published today under the umbrella of evangelical Christianity, there must be alot of hard choices for publishers. As a published author, I often wince when I look through some of the questionable Christian books in stores while I struggle in the long process to get published.

]]> By: LynnRush http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27062 LynnRush Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:37:35 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27062 Wow, what an inspiring post. God is good. The biggest obstacle I've faced....well, within the first 6 months of my marriage (we're going to celebreate 13 years this summer)...I had a migraine that had stroke-like symptoms, one of which was inability to speak and no feeling down my left side. Turns out it was a reaction to prescribed migraine medication. Newly married and in grad school, my hubby thought he'd have to take care of his new wife the rest of his life....BUT, I survived and from that experience, our marriage strengthened more than we could have imagined. He stepped into the roll of household leader and has been doing a stellar job taking care of me since then. So, rest in God with all things. He does not promise an easy road, but He does promise He will be with us always. Wow, what an inspiring post. God is good.

The biggest obstacle I've faced….well, within the first 6 months of my marriage (we're going to celebreate 13 years this summer)…I had a migraine that had stroke-like symptoms, one of which was inability to speak and no feeling down my left side.

Turns out it was a reaction to prescribed migraine medication. Newly married and in grad school, my hubby thought he'd have to take care of his new wife the rest of his life….BUT, I survived and from that experience, our marriage strengthened more than we could have imagined. He stepped into the roll of household leader and has been doing a stellar job taking care of me since then.

So, rest in God with all things. He does not promise an easy road, but He does promise He will be with us always.

]]> By: Craig Frasa http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27061 Craig Frasa Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:36:39 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27061 Michael, I rank this as one of your best posts yet. Whatever your conscience or convictions, this story is still relevant and timeless. This will be one of your classics! Michael,

I rank this as one of your best posts yet. Whatever your conscience or convictions, this story is still relevant and timeless.

This will be one of your classics!

]]> By: De Wet http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27060 De Wet Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:23:18 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27060 Thanks for the encouragement, I needed it. <a href="http://www.blomerus.org" target="_blank">www.blomerus.org</a> Thanks for the encouragement, I needed it. http://www.blomerus.org

]]> By: Felicia K. Fredlund http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27059 Felicia K. Fredlund Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:12:49 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27059 I wanted to thank you for this post. It is truelly shows that sticking to what you believe is important. When you are at a crossroad this is a post to read. In the end you'll always feel better for having taken the road of conscience, or whichever road is the one you believe in. Thank you. I wanted to thank you for this post. It is truelly shows that sticking to what you believe is important. When you are at a crossroad this is a post to read. In the end you'll always feel better for having taken the road of conscience, or whichever road is the one you believe in.
Thank you.

]]> By: Mary E. DeMuth http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27057 Mary E. DeMuth Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:04:19 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27057 It's the King of Heaven we must bow the knee to, even if it means jeopardizing our career. I thought moving to France would hurt my writing ministry, and it was a very hard thing to lay that down for the sake of the calling on my life. And oddly, like you, my career continued. Not only that, but my writing deepened and my heart was broken in the process. Today my obstacle is trusting God for finances and trying to understand how to make a living as a writer without running after every opportunity. It's the King of Heaven we must bow the knee to, even if it means jeopardizing our career.

I thought moving to France would hurt my writing ministry, and it was a very hard thing to lay that down for the sake of the calling on my life. And oddly, like you, my career continued. Not only that, but my writing deepened and my heart was broken in the process.

Today my obstacle is trusting God for finances and trying to understand how to make a living as a writer without running after every opportunity.

]]> By: Andrew http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27056 Andrew Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:01:16 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27056 An outstanding article. Thanks for encouraging us to stick to our guns on matters of conscience. An outstanding article. Thanks for encouraging us to stick to our guns on matters of conscience.

]]> By: Cathy Bryant http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27054 Cathy Bryant Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:53:02 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27054 Amen! I recently counseled my son (who is having issues at his place of employment) not to be too quick to jump out of the fire. No matter how painful, God sometimes puts us in difficult circumstances to test our mettle and character. God is honored when we stand up to our obstacles and take a stand for Him. Thanks for this excellent post! Amen! I recently counseled my son (who is having issues at his place of employment) not to be too quick to jump out of the fire. No matter how painful, God sometimes puts us in difficult circumstances to test our mettle and character. God is honored when we stand up to our obstacles and take a stand for Him. Thanks for this excellent post!

]]> By: Dave http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27053 Dave Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:48:29 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27053 Maybe Zondervan should read this. Maybe Zondervan should read this.

]]> By: Christian_Man http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27052 Christian_Man Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:40:11 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27052 My biggest obstacle has been me. My biggest obstacle has been me.

]]> By: Dennis http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27051 Dennis Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:22:25 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27051 Thank you for this post. My biggest obstacle stems from a battle within myself as I learn the difference between the lies of my co-dependent childhood and the truth. I am at a stage in life where I really needed this post. Thank you for this post. My biggest obstacle stems from a battle within myself as I learn the difference between the lies of my co-dependent childhood and the truth. I am at a stage in life where I really needed this post.

]]> By: Lucille Zimmerman http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27050 Lucille Zimmerman Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:16:17 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27050 What courage that must have taken. I'm so glad you stood firm -- integrity and authenticity are two of my favorite qualities in people. The toughest thing I have faced has been the book I'm working on. I am represented (MacGregor), but my message is edgy, so I've spent 20 months learning the industry, bettering my craft, and honing in on my message. Sometimes if feels like an uphill climb -- but I know the message is important and that has something to offer. That's what helps me persist. What courage that must have taken. I'm so glad you stood firm — integrity and authenticity are two of my favorite qualities in people. The toughest thing I have faced has been the book I'm working on. I am represented (MacGregor), but my message is edgy, so I've spent 20 months learning the industry, bettering my craft, and honing in on my message. Sometimes if feels like an uphill climb — but I know the message is important and that has something to offer. That's what helps me persist.

]]> By: Kena http://michaelhyatt.com/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html/comment-page-1#comment-27045 Kena Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:13:39 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/06/the-necessity-of-obstacles-part-1.html#comment-27045 Hello Michael, Excellent post! I guess for me, the economic situation I am now. Struggling some times to be able to have food in the fridge is really frustrating, but it has never been missing and we have health which is the most important thing. Tough times will go for sure and I know this challenge is making the relationship with my husband stronger, so between the bad, the good! Have a nice day! Hello Michael,

Excellent post! I guess for me, the economic situation I am now. Struggling some times to be able to have food in the fridge is really frustrating, but it has never been missing and we have health which is the most important thing. Tough times will go for sure and I know this challenge is making the relationship with my husband stronger, so between the bad, the good!

Have a nice day!

]]>