What's Holding You Back?

When working to achieve your goals and dreams, what is holding you back from succeeding? I've studied goal setting and tried a myriad of methods. But no matter the season of life or the technique, I fell short. Why? What was the problem? Intellectually, I know what I should be doing, but I don't do it. Is part of the problem a spiritual rather than natural problem? In Romans 7:15, Paul says, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate, I do." (NIV)

Reflecting on my life and the times I did achieve relative greatness, in my life sphere, I realized that certain concepts consistently fell into place; and they were always the same. So why couldn't I maintain the process in every area of my life? When I pursued a goal, it was as if I were running a race. I ran to win. I won, and then I rested on my laurels until the next chapter of my life. Why not keep going? I am still not totally sure. The truth of the matter is that you cannot fulfill the call God has on your life unless you keep trying. Hence, anytime you feel discouraged or defeated, you know that this is not God's plan for your life. So, you have an opportunity to choose. Rest on your laurels or keep on persevering for God's purpose.

I identified three things that contributed to my inability to accomplish all my goals on a steady basis:

• One was a lack of intentionality. Living my life intentionally took work. It paid off in tremendous benefits, but it was still work.

• Second was failing to look for the root of what was hindering me. What were the obstacles that stopped me? Were they real concrete obstacles, or obstacles that I created in my mind? It is vital that you reflect on the possible roots of the things that hinder your success.

• Third was that often, pride got in the way.

Frequently, I would get burned out, working hard on a project, feeling as if I were the only one doing all the work. I'm sure some of you have felt that way in your own lives-whether at home, at work or at church. The problem is that if you are consistently getting burned out, it means that you are trying to do everything in your own power rather than relying on God and those He sends to assist you. If you are in this position, as I have been, you are practicing the sin of pride. In several places, the bible describes pride as sin.

"The kind of pride the Bible condemns is a pride that puts ourselves first, and leaves God out of the picture. When that happens, we take credit for everything we accomplish, and we live only to please ourselves. This is why pride is at the root of almost every other sin." billygraham.org The bible says in James 4:6, "God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble hearted." Once I realized that this verse was real, I did everything possible to become humble before God and let go of the ungodly pride that had been a ruling force in my life.

So, what is holding you back from being all that God created you to be? Think about your own obstacles, degree of intentionality, and any other roots that may hinder your success. Then address those issues and move forward to achieve the hopes and dreams that God has placed in your heart.

As a young woman, I was somewhat competitive, but as I have matured as a person and as a person of faith, I no longer feel the need to compete with others. My focus now is to love God, love others, and love myself. If I can do that, everything will fall into place, so I work to be the best I can be in those three areas in my life.

Earlier, I referred to consistent concepts that helped me succeed. I will introduce those concepts in next week's post.

Where Do I Start?

When we think about our paths in life, when we are young, we wonder where we will be going. When we are old, we reflect on the paths we have taken. But how can we know the best path?

Scripture gives us clues. I have included a few and there are many more for those of you who want to explore further. When reflecting on your life, if you are just starting out, this is a good guide for you. If you are older or have taken a path that has not been in your best interest, it is never too late to start over. In both cases, God will help you every step of the way.

Psalm 121 (NIV)

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."

Proverbs 3:6 (The Living Bible) "In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success."

God is the creator of everything, so to me, it seems as if He would know best how to be successful, happy, peaceful and healthy. Since He knows what is in our best interest, and desires that for us, I would venture to say that the best place to start is to ask Him. He answers through the Scriptures.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

The Battle is for the Mind

In previous posts, we talked about how your destiny is determined by your thoughts, and how you can create new thought processes. It is important to be purposeful in guarding your thoughts and minds if you want to live a peaceful and prosperous life. Here we see in Scripture that it is not by accident that there is a battle with our thoughts – for our good or our demise. Let us use these tools to enhance our lives.

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." (NIV)

Philippians 4:6-8 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, ...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." (NIV)

In these times of unrest, turmoil, confusion, and violence, where can we turn for peace? How can we know what the truth is in the various circumstances of our world? Invite Jesus into your life, follow His lead, and the Holy Spirit will lead you in all the truth.

John 8:31-32 “To the Jews who had believed in Him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.’” (NIV)

John 14:26-27 (Jesus is speaking) " But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (NIV)