Stepping Stones: What's Holding You Back?

Transformational Tip
Goals are powerful. We use goals to motivate us to accomplish tasks we aren’t thrilled about. Money to pay our bills and support our family motivates us to go to that job we aren’t thrilled about…seeing someone we are dating on Friday motivates us to get through the work week…admission to our favorite college motivates us to study in high school… winning in athletics motivates us to practice. In today's scripture offering, Paul is saying that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ...and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This goal took all of Paul's energies. The beautiful thing about Paul’s goal, and it is the same for us…the goal is awesome, but the tasks to get to the goal are also awesome and enjoyable. The problem, Satan has infiltrated our wiring early in our life to deceive us into believing that the tasks to developing the mind of Christ are dangerous, boring, costly, harmful, and unnecessary. These are some of the many roadblocks Satan uses to block our relating with and becoming like Christ. I think Paul’s message is a helpful example for us as we all strive to move closer to Christ...to know Christ. Remember the faith formula (Believe > Receive >Become) Knowing Christ is the "become" part of the formula. WITHIN REACH, our new workshop, helps you understand and identify these obstacles, teaches you the hidden motivating benefits of making good decisions on all 3 spheres, shows what is holding you back, helps you achieve the life that God has, that is just within reach.
Today, identify the benefits of living life God’s way, of pursuing Him, and not doing things Satan’s way. This will keep you more focused and motivated to really pursue the mind of Christ. Strive to put aside anything harmful that may distract you from being the Christian God wants you to be. Easier said than done, I know. Maybe a good start would be to ask yourself the question..."What is holding me back?” Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on what is holding you back?

Prayer
Dear Father God, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today, Lord, to remember that you paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on winning the prize for which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian, but I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is perfect progress. Help me, today, my God to act on the guidance that You have already given me through the Holy Spirit. Thank You Lord. I pray this prayer and all prayers with the authority of and in the name of Jesus; and all God’s people said – AMEN!

The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14