# 13 Overcoming Obstacles to Service: When Serving Gets Hard

Part of our 16-lesson biblical series on developing a heart for service

Key Concept

Every servant faces roadblocks—rejection, discouragement, limited resources, or difficult people. Learning to navigate these challenges with grace keeps us serving when the path gets rocky.

When Service Meets Reality

Have you ever been excited to help someone, only to have your offer rejected or criticized?

Maybe you've felt overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of need around you, wondering if your small efforts even matter. Perhaps you've encountered people who seemed ungrateful or took advantage of your kindness.

These moments test our hearts. Do we serve for recognition, or do we serve because Christ calls us to love?

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." – Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Common Obstacles We Face

Personal Discouragement:

• "My help doesn't seem to make a difference"

• "People don't appreciate what I do"

• "I don't have enough time, money, or skills"

• "I made mistakes and feel like I failed"

Difficult Circumstances:

• Serving people who are ungrateful or demanding

• Facing criticism for your methods or motives

• Limited resources to meet overwhelming needs

• Dealing with your own struggles while trying to help others

Spiritual Battles:

• Feeling spiritually dry or disconnected from God

• Questioning whether God is working through your efforts

• Pride creeping in when service goes well

• Comparison with others who seem more effective

Biblical Wisdom for Hard Seasons

When People Reject Your Help

Jesus faced rejection too. "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him" (John 1:11 NIV). Your job is to offer love—their response is between them and God.

The Hebrew word chesed (חֶסֶד) appears 248 times in the Old Testament, describing steadfast love that perseveres through difficulties. Unlike fleeting emotions, chesed is covenant love that acts regardless of circumstances.

When obstacles mount, remember God's chesed—His faithful love that endures despite our failures or others' lack of appreciation.

"The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love [chesed]" (Exodus 34:6)

When Resources Feel Inadequate

Remember the boy with five loaves and two fish (John 6:1-14). God specializes in multiplying small offerings.

The Hebrew concept of avodah (עֲבֹדָה) means both "work" and "worship"—there's no distinction between serving others and worshiping God.

Every act of service, whether appreciated or not, is sacred avodah before the Lord.

When Progress Seems Slow: Jewish tradition teaches tikkun olam (תיקון עולם)—that our service helps "repair the world."

Even when progress seems slow, every act of chesed contributes to God's plan to restore creation. You're not just helping individuals; you're participating in cosmic restoration.

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV).

Practical Application

Reframe Your Expectations:

• Measure success by obedience, not outcomes

• Remember that God sees every act of love, even when others don't

• Focus on the next right step, not solving every problem

• View obstacles as mikhshol (stepping stones) rather than stumbling blocks

Build Resilience:

• Develop a support system of fellow servants who understand the challenges

• Regularly return to Scripture for encouragement and perspective

• Practice gratitude for small victories and lessons learned

• Remember the Sabbatical Principle: Jewish law includes sabbatical years when the land rests (Leviticus 25). Sometimes obstacles force us into necessary "sabbatical" periods that prepare us for greater service ahead.

Address Root Issues:

• Ask yourself: "Am I serving for God's approval or others' applause?"

• Regularly examine your motives through prayer and Scripture

• Seek wisdom from mature believers who've navigated similar challenges

• Practice proskarteresis (προσκαρτέρησις)—steadfast, active perseverance that continues despite obstacles

This Week's Challenge

Identify one obstacle that has discouraged you recently. Choose one biblical truth from this lesson to meditate on, and take one small step forward in serving despite that challenge.

Scripture Foundation

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV):

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV):

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV):

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Why This Matters

Obstacles aren't signs that we should stop serving—they're opportunities to grow in faith, character, and dependence on God.

Every servant in Scripture faced challenges: Moses dealt with complaining Israelites, Paul faced imprisonment and shipwrecks, and Jesus was ultimately crucified by those He came to save.

Yet they persevered because they understood that serving others is ultimately about honoring God, not earning human approval. As Jewish wisdom teaches: "If we only knew that each obstacle we find in our path is God giving us excellent directions, we would dance for joy."

When we serve with eternal perspective, temporary setbacks become stepping stones to spiritual maturity.

Reflection & Discussion

• What obstacle to serving has been your biggest struggle lately?

• How has God used a difficult serving experience to grow your faith?

• What biblical truth helps you most when service gets discouraging?

• Who in your life models perseverance in serving others?

• How can you encourage someone else who's struggling with service obstacles?

• How might viewing obstacles as God's mikhshol (stepping stones) rather than stumbling blocks change your perspective on current serving challenges?

• End-of-day prayer: "Lord, when serving gets difficult, help me remember why I started. Strengthen my heart to serve You faithfully, regardless of others' responses."

Remember:

The goal isn't perfect service—it's faithful service. Every act of love matters to God, even when it seems small or unappreciated. Keep going. Your harvest is coming.

What's one obstacle you're facing in serving others right now?

Let's encourage each other to keep loving well!

Lesson 13 is part of our biblical journey toward developing a resilient heart for service. Join us as we learn to serve with joy through every season and circumstance.