- ✪ Operation HASTEN
- -5 Heeding the Times
- -4 Awakening a Sense of Urgency
- -3 Shouldering Responsibility
- -2 Overcoming Obstacles
- -1 Encouraging Burden Bearers
- 0 Nurturing the Faith of Jesus
- H Highlighting Present Truth
- A Activate the Youth
- S Separate from Babylon
- T Train in True Education
- E Evangelize the Cities
- N Nurture Christ-Like Characters
As we count down in Operation HASTEN, the next mental preparation is removing obstacles. We cannot progress while obstacles stand in our path, and yet we must overcome them. Every turn will present challenges, but with firm purpose, we must conquer them, or they will conquer us.
“And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling block out of the way of my people.”
Isaiah 57:14
The Bible instructs us to remove the stumbling blocks from the path of His people. We need to heed this call and ensure that nothing hinders us or others from moving forward in the work God has called us to do.
“You will have obstacles and difficulties to encounter at every turn, and you must with firm purpose decide to conquer them, or they will conquer you.”
Testimonies for the Church (3T 497.2-3)
This statement underscores the necessity of determination and a conquering mindset. If we allow challenges to conquer us, our progress halts. Victory is not optional; it’s imperative.
“There are some minds which do not grow with the work but allow the work to grow far beyond them.... Those who do not discern and adapt themselves to the increasing demands of the work should not stand blocking the wheels and thus hindering the advancement of others.”
5LtMs, Lt 21a, 1888, par. 4
Are we stalling the progress because we haven’t adapted? We must be careful not to be the ones hindering the work.
“We have far more to fear from within than from without. The hindrances to strength and success are far greater from the church itself than from the world… But how often have the professed advocates of the truth proved the greatest obstacle to its advancement! The unbelief indulged, the doubts expressed, the darkness cherished encourage the presence of evil angels and open the way for the accomplishment of Satan's devices.”
Selected Messages (1SM 122.3)
Often, it is not external forces that hinder us, but internal resistance. When those within the movement express doubts, it creates the greatest obstacle to progress. Are we fostering faith, or fueling fear?
“There are in our churches those who profess the truth who are only hindrances to the work of reform. They are clogs to the wheels of the car of salvation.”
The Signs of the Times, September 4, 1879, p. 13
“When new methods have been advocated, so many doubtful questions have been introduced, so many councils held that every difficulty might be discerned, that reformers have been handicapped, and some have ceased to urge reforms. They seem unable to stem the current of doubt and criticism.”
Testimonies for the Church (6T 141.3)
“Many obstacles have been placed in the way of the pioneers at the Madison school of a nature to discourage them and drive them from the field. These obstacles were not placed there by the Lord. In some things the finite planning and devisings of men have worked counter to the work of God.”
The Signs of the Times, September 4, 1879, p. 13
The “Dead Wood” must step aside!
“But those who doubt and distrust the assurance of His grace dishonor Christ. They are unproductive trees that shut away the sunlight from other plants, causing them to droop and die under the chilling shadow. The lifework of these persons will appear as a never-ceasing witness against them.”
Great Controversy (GC 527.4)
Dead wood must be removed. Those who are no longer contributing to the mission, or worse, hindering it, need to step aside so that the work can move forward. Don’t be the one who hinders the progress of God’s work. Instead, let us identify if we are casting shade on smaller trees, preventing their growth and progress.
“The barren tree receives the rain and the sunshine and the gardener's care. It draws nourishment from the soil. But its unproductive boughs only darken the ground so that fruit-bearing plants cannot flourish in its shadow. So God's gifts lavished on you convey no blessing to the world. You are robbing others of privileges that but for you might have been theirs.”
Christ’s Object Lessons (COL 217.1)
“…In the shadow of so many other trees, they are becoming sickly and worthless. Transplanted, they would have room to grow strong and vigorous.”
RH May 15, 1888, par. 11
We must ensure that we are not the barren tree. We need to clear the way for others to flourish, especially the younger generation. Encourage them to step up and take on leadership roles, while we provide mentorship and support.
“A curse on anyone who is lax in doing the Lord’s work! A curse on anyone who keeps their sword from bloodshed!”
Jeremiah 48:10
This is a curse on anyone who doesn't join the fight. It's a curse on anyone who is inactive right now and not moving forward.
Inaction is unacceptable. We are called to be active in the fight for the vindication of the Father. We must have faith!
“If you will seek the Lord and be converted every day; if you will of your own spiritual choice be free and joyous in God; if with gladsome consent of heart to His gracious call, you come wearing the yoke of Christ,—the yoke of obedience and service,—all your murmurings will be stilled, all your difficulties will be removed, all the perplexing problems that now confront you will be solved.”
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 101 (1896)
Let us exercise the faith of Caleb, who overcame great obstacles by trusting in God. We need Calebs today—people with the courage to push for immediate action and remove the obstacles that stand in the way of God’s work.
“It was Caleb's faith in God that gave him courage; that kept him from the fear of man, even the mighty giants, the sons of Anak, and enabled him to stand boldly and unflinchingly in defense of the right. From the same exalted source, the mighty General of the armies of heaven, every true soldier of the cross of Christ must receive strength and courage to overcome obstacles that often seem insurmountable... We want Calebs now ... who with courageous words will make a strong report in favor of immediate action.”
Testimonies for the Church 5:378-383 (1885)
We are called to be like Caleb, pushing forward in faith, trusting in God to remove every obstacle as we move in obedience to His call.