We Have Enemies and a Secret Weapon
Really? Yes, and the first enemy is ourselves. We are our own worst enemy when we fail to properly process the many forms of resistance we experience in our lives.
Friends and associates can also hold us back. Sometimes they become uncomfortable when we are willing to take reasonable risks that they are not willing to take. They may try to discourage us in order to remain comfortable with their own state of mediocrity. This is a great contrast to those in our life who encourage us when we make difficult decisions. Those are our real friends.
There is also spiritual resistance. This kind of resistance is unseen but clearly felt. The Apostle Paul described it in the Bible when he wrote, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Paul, makes it very clear that we deal with a warfare that is not against people, but against the spiritual powers that operate behind the scenes through people.
So, what is this resistance all about? It's just like football when every yard gained in the red-zone comes with great difficulty. We all face our own 300 pound linemen, who is intent on seeing that we don't reach the end-zone. That formidable character may take the the form of being disappointed with life, tired and wanting a rest, having lost our vision for the future and an array of other formidable obstacles. Going all the way in life is not easy. Some tragically stop having made it 80% of the way.
Don’t wimp out on the last 20 yards. Remember, you have a secret weapon for facing down obstacles. It’s your natural ability that is now combined with experience and influence. As my friend leading a seminar told us, “You have leverage!” So, take it push back on the resistance!
Really? Yes, and the first enemy is ourselves. We are our own worst enemy when we fail to properly process the many forms of resistance we experience in our lives.
Friends and associates can also hold us back. Sometimes they become uncomfortable when we are willing to take reasonable risks that they are not willing to take. They may try to discourage us in order to remain comfortable with their own state of mediocrity. This is a great contrast to those in our life who encourage us when we make difficult decisions. Those are our real friends.
There is also spiritual resistance. This kind of resistance is unseen but clearly felt. The Apostle Paul described it in the Bible when he wrote, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Paul, makes it very clear that we deal with a warfare that is not against people, but against the spiritual powers that operate behind the scenes through people.
So, what is this resistance all about? It's just like football when every yard gained in the red-zone comes with great difficulty. We all face our own 300 pound linemen, who is intent on seeing that we don't reach the end-zone. That formidable character may take the the form of being disappointed with life, tired and wanting a rest, having lost our vision for the future and an array of other formidable obstacles. Going all the way in life is not easy. Some tragically stop having made it 80% of the way.
Don’t wimp out on the last 20 yards. Remember, you have a secret weapon for facing down obstacles. It’s your natural ability that is now combined with experience and influence. As my friend leading a seminar told us, “You have leverage!” So, take it push back on the resistance!
