Sometimes the things that hinder aren’t necessarily sin in themselves, but they lead to sin. For example, shopping can lead to idolatry, anger can lead to slander and malice, a broken heart can lead to pride and unforgiveness. Sometimes even good or morally neutral things can hinder us (too much television, being obsessed with our physical appearance, running from one extra curricular activity to another, etc.) Anything that distracts us from being who God desires for us to be is a hindrance!
Be in prayer asking God to reveal anything in your life that hinders you from running the race marked out for you (Hebrews 12:1)!
Remember, God’s Word is our sword. Pray and memorize scripture! This is our key to defeating the enemy who pursues us like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8)! Beside each of these things that hinders is a scripture or two – you don’t have to memorize them all. If there is one or two in particular that you are struggling with pick your favorite scripture and memorize it. It may seem elementary, but try it! You will be amazed at the power of God’s Word when you put it to use!
Anger – My temperament is easily excited, saddened or angered. My emotions come flooding to me and want to come out! It is the way God created me but I also know that I can not use that as an excuse every time I fly off the handle! We have to put to death our sinful nature. His Word says that the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). I know that when I am easily angered I must not let my emotions get the best of me. I have to remind myself to be loving, patient, gentle, kind and have self-control!
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19b-20
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 103:8
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Wounds / Broken hearts – I do not know a woman who has not been wounded. I have wounds going back to childhood that I am just now dealing with in my 30s. God wants to heal us! Dig deep if you have too, don’t be afraid – Let Him heal you!
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Unforgiveness - We need to forgive those who have wounded us. As hard as it may be, we must forgive others as God forgave us. Great freedom will be found in forgiving.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God.” Yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:19-21
Guilt – Many times Satan condemns us for our past sins. He is trying to hinder us. He knows that we can not be who God wants us to be when we are entangled by all of our past mistakes. Don’t let him get you down! Christ paid the price for our sin. You are washed by His precious blood and you are forgiven! Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him. Psalm 32:1-2
You are on your way to your Promised Land! In the evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of Egypt, and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord. Ex. 16:6b-7a
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