What's Holding You Back?

Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Tim and I walked Rosie along the paved path at the local park. As we rounded a curve, we stopped. The night before, a storm had blown through and the wind had knocked over a couple of trees. We couldn’t see the path beyond the downed trees.

We had a choice, turn around and head the other direction or climb through the mess and try to get to the other side. Wisdom told us to turn and hike back along the path we’d taken. Out of curiosity, we walked all the way around and checked out the other side of the fallen trees. By the time we finished, a crew of groundskeepers arrived to clean up the trees.

When I saw the barrier, my first thought was, “What’s holding me back?” Then I wondered, “How do I move forward?” Both good questions.

At times, I’m stopped in my tracks and have to reevaluate what to do. Sometimes, I need to move forward past the obstacles in my way, other times I need to turn around and reassess my circumstances. If we’d tried to climb over the trees, I’m sure one of us (me) would’ve been injured. So why chance it when I know it’s not the right move?

But there are times when God calls us to move forward, and it’s scary, or I simply feel uncertain. In Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Moses is old and won’t be going with them, but he reminds them of an important truth. God is going with them. Moses calls them to be strong and courageous.

Every day I make choices. Sometimes roadblocks like fear and discouragement stand in my way, even guilt over a decision that may affect other people. God calls us to ask Him for guidance. He’s with us and He assures us He listens and loves us.

With God by our side, we can be strong and courageous no matter what tries to hold us back.