When facing opposition, it’s easy to focus on external challenges like criticism, spiritual attacks, and lack of resources. However, while we’re distracted by outward opposition, we often overlook the internal ones.
Your most overlooked enemy is yourself. The thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes we allow to defeat us can be a greater threat to our growth than the devil himself.
In 2 Corinthians 6:11–13, Paul addresses this issue with the Corinthians: “Dear, dear Corinthians, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!” (The Message).
Paul emphasized that the Corinthians had immense potential, but internal restraints were holding them back, causing them to live far below their God-given potential.
It’s time to confront what confines you. To help, let’s use the O.P.E.N. acronym:
- Open to Opportunity: Open your life to live expansively, embracing growth and new opportunities.
- Push Past Pain: Identify and push past the limiting thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. Embrace discomfort as a path to growth.
- Engage Everyday: Overcome internal barriers with daily intentionality, either replacing or reinforcing the thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes that hold you back.
- Next, Now: Don’t wait for tomorrow. Start now. Your next level begins today. Become the better version of yourself now.
Your greatest enemy is yourself, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Keep the fire burning!!!
