Often, the greatest enemy we face in our calling is ourselves.
Facing this truth can require recognizing areas in our lives that initiate self-sabotage, discouragement and frustration.
There are four areas that can shut down our path to destiny and purpose that I believe can be easily missed. (Check out the article series, The Self-Sabotaging Scribe Part I & II and The Self-Sabotaging Scribe Part III)
Those areas include:
1. Fighting to fit in. Hello, THERESA! Is that you in the center of the room trying to fit in? I have come to the conclusion that “not fitting in” is a pathway to destiny and purpose. I believe this point can be made for many, MANY situations in life.
Your DIFFERENCE might be what is needed, what is necessary. Embrace it. In my life, this has proved to absolutely true on every side.
2. Doing what everyone else is doing. We live in a world that is saturated by so much sameness. Within that paradigm we have endless merchandising that screams follow these five-steps, become this kind of coach or try this get-rich system. By the end of the day we are constantly jumping, spinning, twisting, running, rolling and trying absolutely everything everyone around us says works.
Much of this is endless self-effort trying to reach goals with someone else’s process.
I am not saying these things won’t work. Rather, I am saying that those methods may not be designed for you!
Following the SYSTEMS OF OTHERS have never worked for me! Seriously. But when I began believing in myself, trusting the Lord’s voice in certain areas… things began opening up where they were needed.
In your life, take the time to dig out the way set for you! It’s okay if it doesn’t look like EVERYONE ELSE’S system. What works for one person could be a total bust for you.
3. Looking and watching other people. Coveting, followed by comparison is a wide open door to the wrong path. I am boldly saying, “Stop looking!” Instead, focus on the work of your own hand. Perfect what is in you! Follow the Lord’s leading! Have fun in your process and NEVER COMPARE YOURSELF with other people! (Check out the article, I Am Not Looking Part I & Part II)
It is a trap! In my own life, I almost gave up visual art because I was comparing myself – including my skill level- to others.
What I needed to do was simply turn my attention to my own process and learn to enjoy it.
4. Engaging inner, negative conversations. With most people, I find that this is the NAIL IN THE COFFIN to our purpose and destiny. Our inner thought life and convos almost always seal our prophetic destiny and purpose. It is not the enemy around us…. but the mass murderer of dreams and hope that thrives within. We must put to death our old man by whatever means are necessary.
May we give life to ourselves! May we believe the Words of Jesus concerning who we are and what we have been given.
May we TURN OUR MINDS toward truth and submit fully to the MIND OF CHRIST!
May we understand that GOD IS FOR US! Therefore, let us not stand against ourselves!
The Lord has a destiny and purpose for His people individually and corporately!
