Overcoming Obstacles

Even if we’re ready to change and grow, there will still be obstacles we have to overcome.

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 ESV

I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. Psalm 18:29 NLT

Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3 NLT

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 ESV

Pain 

Pain is a hurdle that often keeps us from pursuing our potential for growth and change.

After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 ESV

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. Psalm 34:18-19 NLT

People

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV

God directed boundaries are necessary for Godly behavior and breakthrough. 

Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20 NLT

Your friends are either obstacles or catalyst for the growth and change Jesus is working in your life.

Past 

Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God, truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 2:22-24 NLT

Pride

Pride can prevent even the most disciplined and successful person from being whole and free. 

Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him. Matthew 21:31-32 ESV

Perspective

Christianity is not a behavioral improvement program, but a choice to walk with and be like Jesus.

God created man in his own image. Genesis 1:27 NLT 

Growth and change are an opportunity to embody and become who God made you to be.

God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. Romans 8:29 MSG

The daily goal of every God follower should be to get as close to, and be as much like, Jesus as possible.