Throughout our walk with Jesus we may encounter obstacles. These obstacles and strongholds of the enemy may hinder us from experiencing the full reality of our life in Jesus, but we have a new identity in Him which we’re learning to walk out. God wants to help you OVERCOME obstacles and strongholds of the enemy through the victory we share in Jesus. When we walk out the victory which Jesus accomplished for us we experience this victory by the authority and power of His blood.
God disciplines those He loves and sometimes that discipline is a journey. If you’re facing one of these obstacles today, it doesn’t disqualify you as God’s Son or Daughter. God sees your heart and understands your struggle. He doesn’t want to keep you stuck in that place because He wants you to experience the fullness of victory in Jesus. It’s critical to not mistake discipline for punishment and to not allow the enemy to shame us with accusations.
Common Obstacles Many of Us Face
Addiction
Passivity
Dissociation
Rejection
Fear
Anger
Isolation
Rebellion
Grief
Doubt
The enemy uses these obstacles as strongholds, but we don’t have to allow them to define us.
Obstacles of Brokenness in Relationships
Childhood Trauma
Unforgiveness
Hurt & Bitterness
Broken Trust
Abuse
Some obstacles come through brokenness in relationships. God is faithful to heal you from past relationships and past experiences.
Overcoming Obstacles
You don’t have to fight these battles alone through willpower or self effort, the blood of Jesus is your victory. But the blood of Jesus doesn’t help you if it’s just head knowledge, it’s something you must step out into and walk by faith when being tempted and attacked by the enemy who wants to put you underneath these obstacles.
Here is an outline of what it looks like to claim your victory through Christ as a Son or Daughter of God:
1. Acknowledge the weapons the enemy is trying to use against you.
The enemy kingdom loves to operate covertly. The best way to do this is to prevent you from recognizing that the source of the spiritual obstacle in your life is from the enemy, not from God.
2. Expose the enemy in the light of Jesus
We are told in James 4:7, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
When you recognize the enemy putting an obstacle in your way, confront it verbally and declare the truths of Scripture which Jesus has accomplished in your name. Declare what the blood of Jesus has freed you from, and that you will not be held captive anymore by this obstacle. When you expose the enemy’s lies, he loses the advantage of deception.
3. Cut the enemy down with your sword (the Word of God)
You have been given authority and power through Jesus. The truths of Scripture are your sword which cut down the lies of the enemy. Declare the truths of Jesus and your inheritance as a son or daughter of God, and let it be your counterattack against the enemy.
In order to do this you need to know God’s Word and read your Bible often. You can’t be set free without knowing the truth of who you are in Christ. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He used Scripture as a weapon to cut down Satan’s lies.
4. Receive God’s love
Sometimes the obstacle has created a wall of self-protection which hinders us from receiving the healing of God’s love and from receiving the truths that set us free. Recognizing the obstacles can often be a red flag that show us there is something inside of our hearts which needs to be addressed. We need our minds to be renewed and we need to receive God’s love to heal our hearts.
Replace the broken and hurting places with an invitation for God to enter into those places and apply His healing salve on your heart. This requires a posture of humility and surrender, to lay down your burdens and letting God love you, and letting the blood of Jesus wash you clean.
5. Walk in obedience
The purpose of overcoming obstacles isn’t for going back to following the ways of sin, but to instead walk in Christ’s freedom through obedience. When you are free of a stronghold or obstacle, continue to walk with Christ daily understanding you have been given a new identity in Him.
Overcoming is a way of life for the Christian. We may stumble and make mistakes, and that’s ok. Ultimately we are called to overcome just as Jesus has overcome the world. We can’t do that apart from Christ. Let Him lead the way and guide you and you won’t be led astray.