Roadblocks and Resources

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Today we look at the things that might keep you from being fruitful and doing well in life and then consider what you can do about it. It’s all about roadblocks and resources!

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. There are lots of moving parts to the journey but our foundation is built on Jesus, the solid Rock. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep making steps forward on your spiritual journey.

Last week we discussed our roles and I encouraged you to brainstorm some ideas connecting your gifts, talents and abilities with the roles you have in life. How did that go for you? Easy and fun? Challenging?

I know for some people, it is rare to step back and consider the big picture in life as we have been doing here. But I promise you it is worth it when you reap the benefits of intentionally joining God in the work He is doing in and through you. Understanding why and how God made you, your purpose and gifting, gives clarity to all you do.

This is particularly important considering the number of decisions we all have to make each day. Each choice you make has the potential to bring you closer to Jesus and the rest and peace He offers, or to take you further away. And I know which one I want!

And then something happens that makes everything harder. Like when you are on your way home early because a storm is coming and you find a tree across the road. Hit the brakes. Now what? Roadblocks are common when we are trying to follow Jesus and honor Him in every area of life.

What are some common barriers?
Fear is a big one. Fear of man specifically but fear of the unknown and even fear of success! Fear of change.
Doubt is a close cousin to fear.

Social pressure. Maybe related to fear of man but not always. The people around you expect you to act a certain way. You have a track record.

Sin. Alway buts a damper on things. Makes you question your calling and ability.

Laziness. Ouch.

Shallow and improper relationships.

Misplaced priorities. Aiming for the wrong goals. Not aligning life with Jesus and His mission.

Consequences from past mistakes.

You may be surprised that I didn’t list time and money as roadblocks. If our goal is toe be like Christ, I don’t believe time and money are issues. Now, how you use your time and money, that is a different story. But generally, with a few exceptions, you have time to do what you want and money doesn’t grow your spiritual life.

Time for some reflection. What are the things in your life that have the potential to be roadblocks on your way towards spiritual growth and Christ-likeness?

After a short break I will be back to consider our resources to combat those roadblocks.

Part 2

What resources do you have to overcome the roadblocks in your life?
There are some resources that we all have access to and need to rely on for wisdom and strength.

Bible
Holy Spirit
Prayer
Church family – need for closer, more intentional relationships.
I can’ t encourage you enough to be part of a community of Jesus followers who are focused on living out His commands and carrying out His mission. Most of the roadblocks we all face in life are best faced together.

A Plan – hey, that’s what we are working on!
Being intentional about how you live and what you pursue in life leads to constantly addressing problems as they appear. That means many small issues are addressed before they become large ones!

There are also resources you may have access to that are unique to you and your situation.
Particular people for example. Who is someone God has brought into your life that might be able to shed new light on your situation?

I am a big fan of brainstorming. Use it to attack the roadblocks you face in life. First, take advantage of all of the common resources mentioned earlier. Put a priority on God’s Word, Prayer and God’s Family. Whatever else you may need to see the end of the tunnel, it won’t be less than these.
With that foundation in place, trusting that the Holy Spirit is working in and through you, take one roadblock that you believe would really make a difference if it was overcome. Pray about it, ask your church family to pray about it. Consider any biblical principles that apply.

And then, put some mental muscle to work on the problem. Given who and where you are now, what can you practically do to solve or lesson the problem? Is there anything you can do today to lesson the pressure even a little? Ok, do that first!
Next, is there anything you could begin doing that would eventually give you the ability to overcome the current problem? For example: Hate your job? Can you begin training to do something else?

Ask yourself, What little steps can I make today that will add up to meaningful change in the future? Do that.

Thanks for joining me again today! What is God doing in your life now? How are you focusing on abiding in Christ in the midst of a busy schedule? I’d love to hear from you, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.