Sometimes the biggest obstacle standing in the way of the dreams and visions God has placed in our heart is us. We can be our worst enemy. Some of us are too easily defeated by the lies and deception of the enemy. While others are so paralyzed with fear that they quit before they begin. Which are you?
Each of us has weak areas in our lives that we should pay extra attention to. No one is devoid of problems or difficult situations. I challenge you today to take a close look at your life and pick an area that you would like God to help you with. You will be amazed at the difference your attention will make in your life. To often we limit ourselves. Whether we have been disappointed once or several times, we label a situation as finished and over. In this effort, we place a lid on ourselves and hinder the vision God has placed in our lives. Our fears cripple us into letting go of our gifts and abilities.
I have done this several times. I have closed the doors on ideas or dreams that God has given me because I did not see a tangible way of accomplishing it. I compared myself to other people who had similar gifts and labeled myself as not good enough. For instance, when I was a young girl I loved to draw pictures, mostly cartoons. I practiced over and over again in my private time. I scarcely showed my drawings to anyone outside of my circle because I feared rejection. Though I never verbalized it, my actions spoke for me. I never put myself or my drawings out in front of people to avoid criticism and hurt. I am sure that many of us have heard the saying "actions speak louder than words." Well watch your actions toward the challenging issue in your life. Your words may promote tenacity while your actions proclaim defeat.
Symbolically, my drawings hung on the wall of my bedroom to be celebrated by me and my family. How many of us have amazing talents and gifts that are sitting dusty on a shelf? It is easy to confine our gifts to share with the people that we know will tell us what we want to hear. True growth comes when you open yourself up to correction and change. Challenge yourself to share with people who are experts in your field. Be open to constructive criticism, it creates a pathway for growth. Take the lid off your life and open yourself up to a life of freedom in Christ. The sky is the limit. You may not know how or when things are going to take off but God's plans are always greater than our own. Proverbs 16:1 reads, "We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer."
In the same manner, we should not label relationships or people as finished either. Don't be to quick to give up on a friend or loved one. Just because you don't see their progression or breakthrough does not mean that God does not have them on his mind. In Jesus Christ your spouse, child, family member, friend, or coworker can turn their lives around with your prayers surrounding them. It is never too late. Consider the story of Lazarus, he was dead and buried for four days when Jesus raised him from the dead. It seemed hopeless. Lazarus's life desperately depended on the faith of his sister. Because his sister Mary believed on his behalf, Lazarus was raised from the dead. John 11:43-44 reads," When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, 'Take off the grave clothes and let him go.'" Your loved one or friend is in desperate need to borrow your faith and belief. Don't give up. Keep praying.
When you accept Jesus Christ into your heart, the impossible becomes possible. Your life is empowered by a comforter, a helper called the Holy Spirit who can and will guide you through all things. With the power of the Holy Spirt we can take the lid off of our lives and open ourselves up to limitless victories. John 16:13-14 reads, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you."
You will go as far as you allow yourself to. God is willing and waiting with open arms to guide you every step of the way. Get out of your own way. If you dare to believe in yourself and in Jesus Christ you will open yourself up to a limitless future. None of us can accomplish these things alone. It is important to stay connected to the body of Christ. If you don't already have a church family that you belong to check out the link below to Cornerstone Church of San Diego. It is a place where you can experience God's peace, power, and love. Be blessed and encouraged.
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