Have you ever felt like the obstacles in your life were just too big to overcome? Like the river was overflowing its banks, and there was no way to cross? I know I have. In fact, I was just thinking about that the other day as I was reading through 1 Chronicles 12.

In this chapter, we read about the Gadites, a group of warriors who came to fight for David. Now, these guys were no strangers to battle. They were "men of might, and men of war fit for the battle" (1 Chronicles 12:8). But when they arrived at the Jordan, they found that the river was overflowing its banks. In the days of Joshua, the river had parted, and the Israelites had crossed on dry ground. But this time, there was no dry ground to be found.

So what did the Gadites do? Did they turn back and go home? Did they wait for the river to recede? No, they went on to the other side regardless. I don't know how they did it, but somehow, they crossed the overflowing Jordan and joined David's army.

Inspiring story, huh?  These men were facing an insurmountable obstacle, yet they didn't let it stop them. They didn't give up. They didn't turn back. They pressed on, and they made it to the other side.

So what does that mean for us? Well, I think it means that we need to take a page from the Gadites' book. When we face obstacles in our lives, we can't let them stop us or hold us back. We need to press on, just like the Gadites did.

But how do we do that? How do we overcome the obstacles in our lives? Well, I think there are a few things we can learn from the Gadites.

First, we need to have faith. The Gadites didn't know how they would cross the overflowing Jordan, but they trusted that God would make a way. And He did. In the same way, we need to trust that God will make a way for us, even when the obstacles seem insurmountable.

Second, we need to be willing to take risks. The Gadites didn't let fear hold them back. They were willing to step out in faith and cross the river, even though they didn't know what was on the other side. In the same way, we need to be willing to take risks, even when we're not sure what the outcome will be.

Finally, we need to be persistent. The Gadites didn't give up when they saw the overflowing Jordan. They didn't turn back. They kept going, and they made it to the other side. In the same way, we need to be persistent. We need to keep pressing on, even when the obstacles seem overwhelming.

So, what obstacles are you facing today? Maybe it's a complicated relationship, a financial struggle, or a health issue. Whatever it is, don't let it hold you back. Take a page out of the Gadites' book and press on. Trust that God will make a way. Be willing to take risks. And above all, be persistent. With God's help, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way.

In closing, I want to leave you with this verse from Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." No matter what obstacles you're facing, remember that you're not alone. You have Christ on your side, and He will give you the strength you need to overcome. So press on, my friend. Keep going. And trust that God will make a way.

And as you're making your way across that raging river, remember Dory's wise words from Finding Nemo:  "Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming!"