What’s Stopping You?

Have you ever felt like you were running into brick walls, swimming upstream, or wading through molasses when you’ve tried to go after the desires God placed in your heart? I realize this is a rhetorical question—we’ve all been there. Maybe you are there now. If so, please know that you’re not alone.

We all face obstacles that hold us back from walking in freedom and pursuing God’s call with confidence. The first step to overcoming them is simply recognizing they’re there. When left unacknowledged, these barriers quietly drain our energy, steal our joy, and stall our momentum. I know this all too well from personal experience.

In my own journey, I’ve had to recognize and face many barriers—often painfully so. But I’ve also discovered that when I courageously bring these blocks into the light with God’s help and become willing to do the work necessary to address them, they begin to lose their power. Healing begins and growth follows. Over time, the very things that once stopped me became steppingstones toward deeper transformation.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common obstacles that can stand in the way of pursuing God’s dreams for your life—whether those dreams feel big or small. As you read, pause and ask yourself which of these might be holding me back right now.

One of the most overlooked obstacles we face is the way we relate to ourselves. When our inner voice is harsh, judgmental, or relentlessly self-critical, it colors every other relationship—especially our relationship with God.

Think about it: if you don’t feel like you’re enough, how easy is it to believe that God delights in you? If your inner dialogue is filled with shame or judgment, won’t that affect how you assume He sees you too?

Many of us live with an inner voice that constantly says: “You should have done better. You’ll never get it right. You’re not worth it.” These messages keep us small. They make us second-guess every decision, shrink back from opportunities, and sometimes even sabotage the very dreams God has placed in our hearts.

Some may see healing your relationship with yourself as self-indulgent—but I believe it’s imperative. When you learn to meet yourself with kindness and acceptance, you create the rich soil where God’s truth can take root and flourish.

The way we relate to ourselves can become either our greatest obstacle or our greatest ally in stepping into the dreams God has for us. It all depends on which voice we choose to listen to.

I teach a simple process called Become the News Anchor that helps people shift their relationship with themselves toward greater understanding, acceptance, and compassion. If you’d like to explore it, you can watch the free 10-minute training Here.

Your relationship with God is both foundational and deeply connected to how you relate to yourself. When this relationship is out of order, it’s hard to expect the rest of life to fall into place. But the closer we draw into alignment with Him, the more clarity, strength, and peace we experience in every area.

But here’s the truth: many of us struggle to relate to God as He really is. Our perceptions of God are often colored by our early experiences with parents, siblings, or authority figures.

Take a moment to reflect on:

For years, I didn’t realize how much anger I carried toward God for the pain I had endured throughout my life. Many years ago, I angrily poured those emotions out on paper. When I finished, pen still in hand, I sat defiantly waiting to see how God would respond. To my surprise, He met me with gentleness—answering each complaint and replacing every lie I had believed about Him with His truth.

The experience changed everything. My heart softened, my trust deepened, and I began to sense God’s nearness in a way I never had before. Thankfully, I journaled everything He said and still have those precious words today.

If you feel far from God, know this: He longs for a close, healing relationship with you. No matter what stands in the way, He can bridge the distance.

When we hear the word addiction, we often think of alcohol or drugs. But the truth is, many of us wrestle with subtler forms—food, shopping, work, social media, even negativity.

At its core, addiction is anything we compulsively turn to for comfort, control, or escape. The issue isn’t only what we use—it’s what we’re trying to avoid.

Take a moment to reflect:

Addictions are deceptive. They offer temporary relief but ultimately create chains. Freedom begins when we face the truth, invite God into the struggle, and seek the support we need to walk a new path.

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

The enemy rarely announces his intentions. Instead, he whispers lies that sound like our own thoughts: You’re not enough. You’ll never change. God has forgotten you. When we agree with those lies, they can take root as beliefs—and our agreement gives the enemy ground.

The good news is that we can choose differently, even though it’s not always easy. By guarding our minds with truth (Philippians 4:8), forgiving where bitterness has taken root, and closing the doors of sin and shame, we reclaim the territory that belongs to God. And often, this healing journey is strengthened by the love and support of others walking beside us.

God designed us to need one another. The dreams He has for your life are too big to accomplish on your own. That’s not weakness—it’s His divine design.

When I realized my struggle with food was bigger than me, I reached out to four women and asked them to be prayer partners. Did I feel vulnerable? Absolutely. But their prayers became the key that unlocked my freedom.

Who’s in your corner? Who prays for you, encourages you, or helps hold you accountable? If your support system feels thin, ask God to bring people into your life who can walk alongside you.