What Are Your Barriers?

We all have barriers that keep us from moving forward. Have you ever given much thought to what your barriers are? What keeps you stuck or why do we repeat old habits? What causes us to procrastinate? I encourage each of us to take a hard look at what our barriers are.

Galatians 5:17-18 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But that you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

Would you consider time to be a barrier for you? If you're like me you don't have enough time to do everything that needs to get done in addition to what you would like to do, balancing both becomes a challenge. But I love Jesus' reminder in Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

I realized one of my barriers was control. Control can mean different things to different people so let me clarify the kind of control I'm speaking about in this case.

For me it's about controlling the outcome of an experience, meaning when I planned an event such as the women's retreat or seminar, I wanted everyone to enjoy themselves. I wanted the experience to be meaningful and uplifting for them. But I realized I could not control how people responded to these events. I couldn't control if they were receptive or if their hearts would be open to hear what is being shared, so I'm learning to let go of the outcomes. I know that I must do the best job that I can while being mindful of the experience I am trying to create for others and beyond that I need to release control of the outcome and leave it in God's hands.

I hope you'll take the time to identify the barriers that are holding you back, once you do ask God to help you overcome them.

Isaiah 43:1-2 But now, this is what the Lord says - he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel; "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, the will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime