Breaking Through Barriers to Your Faith!
Embracing Enlargement of Faith
Enlarge: Expand your mindset and embrace the possibilities in faith.
Enlargement: Be refreshed and renewed, gaining a fresh vision in the Lord.
Acts 3:19 says, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” When we experience God’s presence, it brings a refreshing that allows us to change our thinking, letting go of past limitations and opening up to His promises. Imagine: with God’s presence, you can see your life anew, free from old sins and limitations. That’s a powerful new beginning.
Rediscover Your Faith
We all have a measure of faith. Romans 12:3 reminds us, “God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Faith allows us to think and act according to God’s promises, not our circumstances. Jesus said in Matthew 9:29, “According to your faith be it unto you.” As God touches our lives, our faith determines the level of our victory.
The enemy will try to lead us away from faith through human wisdom, which often leads to doubt and fear. 1 Corinthians 2:4-10 reminds us that the wisdom of this world pales in comparison to the wisdom of God, which He reveals through His Spirit.
Emotions That Hinder Faith
Four key emotions can create barriers to our faith:
- Hurt
- Bitterness
- Anger
- Depression
These emotions often stem from fear and shame. Fear is the worry of loss or failure, while shame recalls past mistakes and shortcomings. Genesis 3:1-10 tells us how fear and shame entered the world with Adam and Eve’s sin, which damaged their relationship with God, themselves, and others.
But there’s hope. Hebrews 9:22 teaches that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. Jesus’ sacrifice has given us access to a new life, free from fear and shame.
Overcoming Fear with Faith
Fear can come in many forms, from fear of failure to fear of sickness or even death. Yet God is greater than our fears. Psalm 27:1 declares, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”
To overcome fear, we must:
- Find it – Recognize fear for what it is, a barrier to God’s promises.
- Cast it out – Replace fear with God’s love. 1 John 4:18 says, “Perfect love casteth out fear.”
2 Timothy 1:7 assures us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” When we embrace God’s love, we find the confidence to walk in faith.
Faith Opens Our Eyes
When you walk by faith, you’ll start to see God’s promises in new ways. Joshua 6:2 illustrates this with the story of Jericho: “And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho…” God will show you the path to victory, no matter the obstacles.
Faith is Bold
The story of Esther exemplifies the courage faith can bring. In Esther 4:11-17, she risks her life to save her people, declaring, “If I perish, I perish.” Her faith allowed her to step into her destiny, knowing that God was with her.
Walking by faith may sometimes seem like taking a risk, but with God, you are on sure ground. Faith in God’s promises enables us to take steps that others may consider risky because we know that God is faithful to see us through.
Faith invites you to break past barriers, seeing beyond your current circumstances to the victory God has prepared. Keep moving forward in trust, knowing that God’s promises are true and His Spirit is with you every step of the way.
Living Word Christian Center 