We’re in Part 4 of unpacking and getting past the 11 ways you may be blocking God’s blessings in your life. If you haven’t read Parts 1, 2, and 3, you will want to do so first.
So, we’ve gotten really clear that it’s God’s heart to say to us: “Let Me adorn your life. Let Me adorn you!”
In Part 4 of this series, I’ll discuss 3 more ways you might be hindered from receiving God’s blessings and how to overcome them.
Remember, we want to start from the understanding that it was God’s idea to bless His kids. We want to start at the foundation that He’s infinitely good and knows how to lavishly bless us without “spoiling” our character.
Hindrance #7: Overcoming the Feeling that God Abandoned or Failed You
Do you feel like God abandoned you or dropped the ball? This crushed voice says something like, “God wasn’t there for me and isn’t there for me!” or “God helps, but only enough to barely scrape by!”
When I took this issue to the Lord He said, “It’s not about your anger or disillusionment with Me. I have answers way past your “let down”. But, I want to heal your heart in all the places that have felt this way!”
God is Love and Love never fails (1 John 4:8, 16; 1 Corinthians 13:8a).
He expressly has said in Hebrews 13:5b-6 (AMPC):
5…for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]
6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?
Let that sink in.
My suggestion:
This is similar to #6: Bring your greatest disappointments before the Lord and pour out your heart to Him – all the hurt and anger. Forgive Him for every area where it feels as if He’s let you down. He didn’t sin, but sometimes, with our limited perspective, it sure feels that way. That’s just honest. Any offense (with others/other things, ourselves, and God) in our heart blocks our ability to receive from Him what’s already ours. This is particularly true when we’re offended with God. Think about it. We close ourselves off to people with whom we’re offended. Offense doesn’t always involve anger. But it does revolve around a compromise in our hearts. God isn’t offended over our offenses with Him, but He does want to help us get past them.
Give yourself permission to release all offense, and for as long as you need. God is the only One Who can handle your deep pain. Then be still.
Let Him minister to you (Psalm 46:10). Linger there. Let Him reignite hope and love away all the hurt and fear! You may need repeated doses. That’s OK. You’re worth it!
Hindrance #8: Overcoming the Inability to Believe, Because You Can’t Get Past Your Own Head
Are you just not able to believe because you can’t get past your own head? This skeptical voice says something like, “It just doesn’t make sense” or “It’s just not rational!”
Usually, this is a bigger issue for God’s fabulous “thinkers” and “processors” who tend to be more naturally skeptical. “It’s just not rational!” is something I heard over and over from my wonderful mother when I’d talk about the supernatural. Remember, if you’re a “thinker” and “processor”, God made you that way! Jesus didn’t rebuke Thomas when He questioned the veracity of Christ really coming back after the cross. He gave Thomas an encounter. He let Thomas put his finger in His side and then admonished him to quit doubting (John 20:27). God is infinitely accessible to His kids. Love is so lovely, He meets us right where we are at and brings us up higher!
Remember, you don’t just have your mind, but you have access to Christ’s mind (1 Corinthians 2:16). We’re admonished to set our mind on things above because we were already raised with Christ (Colossians 3:1-3). That’s a choice.
Romans 12:2 says that we’re able to prove the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, as we’re transformed by the renewing our minds to Christ and His finished work.
My suggestion:
Ask Holy Spirit to help you as you dive into what Christ did for you and what that means. Set your mind to think with Him, not against Him. And as you meditate on what He is showing you, He’ll convince your heart. Your heart’s “aha” moment will come!
Hindrance #9: When God When?
Are you simply impatient? This exasperated voice says something like, “God, WHEN are you going to come through for me?!”
The truth is that He already did (John 19:30, Revelation 13:8). Our job now is to partake of what He’s already given us by inheritance (Romans 8:15-17) and let His faith arise so that those things can manifest (2 Peter 1:2-4).
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit and you have all of it inside you (Galatians 5:22; Philippians 2:12). This fruit manifests as we abide, or hang out in the Presence of God(John 15:5). This is part of your maturation process as you’re conformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).
James 1:2-4 (TPT) says:
2 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! 3 For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things. 4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
Romans 5:4 (TPT) says that patient endurance will refine our character and lead us back to hope.
My suggestion:
Recognize that you’re a champion made in the image and likeness of Christ Himself (1 John 4:17). Champions are able to wait. Champions endure. And you don’t have to do this (and shouldn’t try) in your own strength. Holy Spirit is truly your Helper. He helps us wait patiently for what’s already yours to manifest. For more help specifically with this, check out my Fiery Seasons Part 1 and 2 blogs. And also check out the Unstoppable series, Part 1 – 5.
I trust this has brought you huge freedom and help! Let me know how this is impacting you and join me for the last in this series Part 5 next week!
I’m believing for YOUR amazing testimony!
Love,
Catherine
