What Holds You Back?

Here we are in week one of our Finally Free online study and it seems appropriate to make a confession.

Even though this is the 7th study I’ve hosted here, I get nervous and have moments of panic before each and every study.

I hesitate and question if I should commit myself to another study…even though I’ve already planned it all out.

Questions swirl in my mind as I get a little light-headed…

Who am I to lead anyone?

What if my mind goes blank (again) and I have nothing to write?

What will others think of me?

Worry and fear…it’s enough to make me say Forget it, I can’t do this.

I could do that. In fact, I almost did. Before the first study ever took place, I started to ignore God’s lead. I was going to let fear keep me from moving forward.

But running in the opposite direction from where God is leading is not a good place to be.

What is it that holds you back?

Whether we know it or not, most of us have something….

Doubt – I can’t be a good mom like she is.

Worry – How will I ever get out of this financial mess?

The Past – How can God forgive me for the way I used to live? I can’t forgive myself.

Fear – What if they don’t like me? What if I never get married and have a family?

Addictions – It’s taken everything I have, and I still can’t break the hold it has on me.

Maybe for you it’s something completely different.

God didn’t intend for us to live bound by these burdens.

No, that’s the enemy’s work. Satan wants us to continue carrying this baggage with us. He encourages it, telling us these loads are ours to carry.

But Christ says, “Bring them to me. Lay them at the foot of the cross where I’ve already gone to free you from these very burdens.” (ref. Matt. 11:28)

Jesus died and rose again, conquering sin and death to free us from this bondage. And yet, we struggle to let Him change us—to change our lives.

What is it that keeps you from experiencing all God has planned for you? Is it time to take it to the cross?

My light-headedness has cleared now, but I know I’ll feel it again.

Each time, I remind myself…if He wants me to do this, then I can do it. Not because of who I am, but because of who He is.

Maybe you’ve tried to hand it over to Him, but you’re discouraged because you’re still struggling with it. I know that feeling.

Sometimes it takes giving it to Him over and over. Not because He won’t take it, but because we tend to take it back.

Make a conscious effort to give it to Jesus and leave it with Him. Do it again and again, every day, until you feel the weight on you easing.

He will take as much as you will give Him.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Winsome Wednesday, WholeHearted Home, Thought Provoking Thursday, and Faith Filled Friday.