What’s Holding You Back? Overcoming Obstacles to Experiencing the Exchanged Life
Have you ever felt like something was holding you back from fully experiencing the abundant life Christ promises? You believe His Word, you long for His peace and joy, yet it feels like an invisible barrier keeps you from stepping into that freedom. If you’ve been there—like I have—you’re not alone.
These barriers often come from places where we’ve unknowingly relied on ourselves rather than fully depending on Christ. The good news? Experiencing the exchanged life isn’t about trying harder; it’s about surrendering more deeply. It’s about letting the Holy Spirit work in and through us to do what we cannot. By His grace, every obstacle can be removed, and we can walk in the fullness of life He has already provided.
Let’s explore some of the common barriers that can hinder our walk with Christ, how they might show up, and how we can surrender them to Him to experience His freedom and abundant life.
Common Obstacles to Spiritual Growth
These challenges often fall into four areas: matters of the heart, faith challenges, neglected spiritual disciplines, and misplaced identity. The goal isn’t to fix these through self-effort but to surrender them to Christ and allow Him to lead us step by step.
1. Heart Matters: Healing and Surrender
Some of the greatest obstacles lie in unresolved issues of the heart that the Holy Spirit gently brings to our attention. Ignoring these can hinder the healing and peace He longs to give.
Unconfessed Sin: Perhaps there’s a pattern in your life that you know isn’t pleasing to God, but you’ve hesitated to bring it to Him. Instead of trying to fix it yourself, surrender it to Him in confession, trusting His promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Confession isn’t about punishment—it’s about restoration.
Unreconciled Relationships: Maybe there’s someone you’ve wronged or a broken relationship that lingers in your heart. Jesus invites us to trust Him with the process of reconciliation. “First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:24).
Bitterness or Unforgiveness: Holding onto resentment can quietly harden our hearts. But forgiveness isn’t something we muster up—it’s something we release as we allow Christ to work in us. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Reflection: Are there unresolved areas in your heart—unconfessed sin, broken relationships, or unforgiveness—that need to be surrendered? Trust the Lord to give you the grace to release these burdens. Take the first step by faith.
2. Faith Challenges: Trusting God Fully
Faith doesn’t mean never feeling fear or doubt—it means bringing those fears and doubts to God and trusting Him to replace them with His truth.
Fear: You sense God calling you to something new, but fear keeps you frozen. Instead of trying to be brave, lean into His promise: “Fear not, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you” (Isaiah 41:10). His presence is your courage.
Misunderstanding God’s Love: Perhaps you’ve felt the need to earn God’s love by doing more—serving, giving, or striving to please Him. Yet His Word declares, “He has made us accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). You are fully loved and cherished in Christ—not because of what you do, but because of who He is.
Doubt: Maybe you’re facing a tough season and wonder if God will come through. Faith isn’t about suppressing doubt; it’s about bringing it to Him and allowing His promises to guide you. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him… He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Reflection: Are fear or doubt holding you back? Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to God’s goodness and sovereignty.
3. Spiritual Disciplines: Walking in His Grace
Sometimes, obstacles arise when we neglect the very means of grace God has provided to deepen our relationship with Him.
Neglecting Scripture: If you’ve felt distant from God’s Word, ask Him to renew your hunger for it. Start small, trusting Him to meet you as you open His Word. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Prayerlessness: Life’s demands can crowd out prayer, leaving us feeling disconnected. But prayer isn’t a chore—it’s a lifeline. Ask the Lord to draw you into His presence. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Lack of Fellowship: Perhaps you’ve drifted from community and now feel isolated. Fellowship is God’s gift to encourage and strengthen us. “Let us not neglect meeting together, but encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25).
Reflection: Are you relying on your strength to grow spiritually, or are you trusting God to lead you?
4. Identity and Surrender: Resting in Him
At the root of many obstacles is the temptation to rely on ourselves instead of resting in Christ.
Self-Reliance: Independence might feel like strength, but true transformation comes through surrender. “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1).
Misplaced Identity: If your worth is tied to your achievements—your job, family, or even ministry—you’ll feel empty when those things falter. Your true identity is secure in Christ: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1).
Reflection: Are you relying on your own strength or placing your identity in something other than Christ? Trust Him to remind you of who you are in Him.
Steps to Freedom
The key to overcoming obstacles isn’t effort—it’s surrender. Here’s how to let God work in these areas:
Pray for Illumination: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal hidden barriers. “Search me, O God, and know my heart”(Psalm 139:23-24).
Confess and Rest: Bring these areas to God, trusting Him to work in you. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6).
Walk in Grace: Trust His Spirit to lead you moment by moment. “It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
A Journey Worth Taking
The abundant life isn’t something you achieve; it’s something you receive by surrendering to what Christ has already done. His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Take time this week to ask the Lord to reveal any areas where you’ve been striving or holding back. Trust Him to lead you into the freedom He’s already secured. Rest in His grace and let Him carry you forward, step by step, in His strength.
Will you take the next step in your journey with Christ today?