At our Fitfish weekend last weekend, Pete started by reading Psalm 139: 13-18:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.”

In this passage, we are reminded that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Understanding and embracing this truth is crucial for both ourselves and those around us. Often, we can have a clear sense of our identity in God and feel aligned with our purpose in life. However, there are times when various factors hinder our progress and hold us back. These obstacles can arise from external influences or from within ourselves. This blog post will explore the story of Moses in Exodus 3 and 4, shedding light on what stops us and how we can overcome those barriers.

External Influences: When the Unimaginable Happens

In Exodus 3, Moses encounters a burning bush that captures his attention. As he draws closer, he realises that the angel of the Lord is speaking to him through this extraordinary phenomenon. Moses receives instructions and witnesses miracles that confirm the divine nature of the encounter. This external experience abruptly alters the course of his life, leading him in a new direction. Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances or external events can stop us in our tracks, forcing us to reassess our path.

Internal Limitations: Overcoming Self-Doubt

However, the greatest obstacle Moses faced was not external but internal. In Exodus 4, Moses begins to doubt himself and questions his ability to fulfil the task God has set before him. He sees himself as someone who lacks the skill to speak publicly and feels inadequate for the role assigned to him. Moses becomes the main hindrance to his own progress. Similarly, we often struggle with feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and the belief that we don’t measure up. Our mindset can either propel us forward or hold us back. Recognising this, 2 Corinthians 10:5 encourages us to take captive every thought, making it obedient to Christ.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

A Transformational Mindset: Embracing God’s Truth

As Christians, we have the assurance that God is on our side, supporting us in achieving all that He desires for us. By shifting our mindset and applying the principles outlined in Philippians 4:6-7, we can move forward with confidence and purpose. The passage advises us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving. By doing so, we invite God’s peace, which surpasses understanding, to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Applying the Principles: Unlocking God’s Truths

Taking a closer look at Philippians 4:6-7, we can break down the passage and apply its principles to help us embrace the greater truths God has for us. Instead of being consumed by anxiety, we are encouraged to approach every situation with prayer and petition, expressing gratitude to God. This mindset shift allows us to experience God’s peace, which guards our hearts and minds, enabling us to overcome obstacles and move forward in alignment with His purpose.

Conclusion:

We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, with a unique purpose and destiny. However, external influences and internal limitations can hinder our progress. Just like Moses, we may encounter unexpected circumstances that alter our path or wrestle with self-doubt and negative mindsets that hold us back. Yet, as Christians, we have the power to overcome these barriers by embracing God’s truth and shifting our mindset. By taking captive every thought and applying the principles of prayer, petition, and gratitude, we can unlock our true potential and confidently pursue the path God has set before us. Remember, you are capable of achieving great things when you align your mind with Christ.

We had such an amazing time at our retreat! You can watch the video below

Also, we have some spaces left for our September and November Retreats – come and join us!