“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” Romans 8:37

 Last week’s discussion was on how we begin to move forward. We started by acknowledging the truth of where we are and deciding where it is we want to be. (John 8:32, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”).We also took responsibility for our lives, because we learned that we are the decision makers in our lives. Regardless of what was done, what was said, who did it, who said it; we alone decide the effect it has on us. We decide whether we are going to continue to give power to the negativity.

This week’s discussion is about common ways we sabotage our journey. Sabotage is to undermine, counteract, weaken, destroy or hinder normal operations. When we think of sabotage, we often think of outside forces plotting against us. Of course, we would not think of weakening or hindering our own progress; however, more often than not, we are the saboteur. This thinking, looking for someone to “blame,” is one of the ways we sabotage our journey. We would or could but the “haters.” Are you weary of the “hater” clichés? Truly, I am. Haters should not be our motivators. Living the good life God, through His son Jesus Christ, intends for us should be our only motivation. The hater clichés allow us to give too much time and energy to something other than moving forward. Blaming and complaining about others cause us to take our eyes off of the prize. (Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”).

Another common way we sabotage moving forward is through language – what we say; our words. We continue to say the same thing, repeat the same story, and repeat the same facts. I know, we say, “well it’s the truth.” Sure, it is the truth, maybe with a little embellishment to evoke more sympathy (smile). However, now that we are moving forward and we have told ourselves the truth and everyone else that will listen (smile), there is no need to continue telling the story. At this stage, we have to learn to state and declare what it is we want in our lives (Mark 11:24, “Therefore I say unto you, Whatever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.”). Declaring what it is we asked and believed for will move us forward. These are the things we want created with our words. (Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”). We do not want to continue creating the things that had us stuck. (Proverbs 6:2, “You have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth.”). Learn from the experience but only speak and declare what will move you forward. Sister Pebbles puts it this way, “A regimen 4 change: Change your words from what’s going wrong to what you WANT and NEED 2 see happen and SEE how it will change YOUR OUTLOOK.”

Next week’s conclusion will be “Moving Forward in Boldness.” Until then, peace and blessings.

 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39