5 DESTINY BLOCKERS TO AVOID
I want to briefly share about 5 Destiny Blockers that you must avoid in 2022 If you have been following the devotional with us from the Purpose Driven Life, you must have read about what I am going to share today. I want the Holy Spirit to breathe upon it in our hearts as we pray over it. These are the things that limit our capacity to emerge into the fullness of what God has for us, and God wants to limit the hand of the devil in our lives so that our experience will be more of nothing missing, nothing broken in our journey with Him.
Today’s reading emphasized the importance of having God as the driving force behind our destinies, with righteousness, peace, and joy guiding our lives. During our recent meeting at the Global Office, it was highlighted that many individuals often enter a new year with the intention of proving a point to someone who doubted their success, whether it be a spouse or another individual. However, true success lies in fulfilling God’s purposes for our lives and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us, regardless of external validation or recognition.
It was emphasized that the most frustrating aspect of life is attempting to prove a point to others, only to feel unnoticed or unappreciated. The message conveyed was clear – our motivation should stem from God’s will for our lives, with the desire to fulfill all His purposes and leave a meaningful impact. It was urged that we relinquish control to the Holy Spirit and not allow external influences to dictate our destinies.
The call to prayer was made to remove any distractions or negative influences that may have taken hold of our destinies, urging individuals to refocus on God’s plan for their lives. It was a reminder that our ultimate goal should be to live a purposeful life driven by faith and guided by God’s will, rather than seeking validation or approval from others. The message concluded with a call to prayer and a reaffirmation of faith in Jesus Christ.
GUILT AND CONDEMNATION
Perhaps you have made a mistake in the past, and maybe someone is listening to me tonight, whether you are present physically or online. The devil may still be tormenting your mind because of a mistake that occurred five years ago. I tweeted earlier today about how God used a murderer like Moses to lead His people, the Israelites, which shows that God works in mysterious ways. If you feel like Moses, counting yourself out as someone who can never be used by God again, remember that guilt can block your destiny. Thankfully, Romans 8:1 states that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Therefore, if you are in Christ, guilt and condemnation should not hinder your destiny or limit your potential in the kingdom of God. You have access to God’s grace for the fulfillment of your destiny if you walk according to the spirit and not the flesh. The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death. It all begins with understanding that guilt should not control your life.
Some people are held back from doing certain things because of guilt and condemnation. A pastor once shared with me an experience where he was trying to recruit volunteer workers for the church, and one man, after being persistently approached, confessed that he couldn’t serve because he was involved in an inappropriate relationship. It is essential to address guilt and not allow it to prevent you from fulfilling your purpose in God’s kingdom.
Refusing to deal with guilt can have a detrimental effect on one’s relationship with God, as it creates a barrier to fully experiencing His forgiveness and grace. This cycle of guilt can lead to a lack of belief in one’s own forgiveness, causing a constant return to past mistakes and a reliance on worldly solutions rather than seeking God’s help.
It is crucial to address and overcome the guilt and shame of our pasts in order to move forward in our spiritual journey. While our past experiences shape us, they should not define or confine us. God desires to free us from the burdens of our past and lead us into a new life in Christ, where we can access His blessings and purpose for our lives.
“In Christ, we are under a new covenant. Not renewed, not tweaked, not updated, not expanded. It is new.”
Overcompensating for past mistakes or living in a cycle of sin can hinder our spiritual growth and limit our potential in God’s kingdom. It is important to recognize the damaging effects of guilt and condemnation on our self-esteem and relationship with God, as they prevent us from fully embracing our identity as children of God and hinder our ability to fulfill our calling in Christ.
By accepting God’s forgiveness and releasing ourselves from the grip of guilt and condemnation, we can experience a newfound sense of peace and purpose in our lives. Through the power of Jesus Christ, we can break free from the chains of guilt and condemnation, allowing His spirit to guide us and lead us into His perfect will for our lives. Let go of guilt and condemnation, and embrace the peace and freedom that God offers to walk in His divine purpose.
RESENTMENT AND ANGER
The secondary obstacle that attempts to seize control of individuals’ destinies and steer their lives in the wrong direction, instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them, is resentment and anger. Many individuals are entering 2022 without taking charge of their emotions, failing to address the root causes of their anger, and allowing bitterness to take root in their hearts. However, this year presents a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and empowerment, as God desires to elevate believers to new levels of authority and effectiveness in their ministries. He wants to equip them to speak with power, heal the sick, and experience success in their endeavors.
Resentment and anger, if left unchecked, can have a detrimental impact on one’s own well-being, more so than on the individuals they are directed towards. In personal experience, the realization dawned that harboring anger towards my spouse only served to harm me, as she continued to live her life unaffected by my negative emotions. It became evident that holding onto resentment only served to limit personal growth and hinder progress, rather than affecting the other person in any significant way.
It is crucial to acknowledge that failing to address and overcome feelings of resentment can have severe consequences, ultimately leading to self-destruction and missed opportunities for personal development. By releasing bitterness and embracing forgiveness, individuals can free themselves from the shackles of negative emotions and open themselves up to the abundant blessings and breakthroughs that God has in store for them in the coming year.
We often find ourselves feeling entitled to the hurt and pain we experience, taking it personally and internalizing the negative emotions. I vividly recall a time when someone spread a lie about me, causing it to go viral, and the anger and frustration I felt in that moment. It’s natural to want to fight back, but as a Christian, I had to remind myself that the source of such negativity is the devil, and I had to rebuke those feelings and move forward.
If you’ve never been in a situation where you’ve been lied to or rejected, it can be challenging to empathize with someone who is feeling resentful or angry. Investing time, money, and emotions into a relationship only to have it end abruptly can be a painful experience that leads to bitterness and resentment.
However, dwelling on these negative emotions can block your destiny and prevent you from moving forward. Some people have allowed resentment to dictate their actions, leading them away from where they are meant to be. It’s important to recognize that holding onto bitterness only hinders your progress and can cloud your judgment. Letting go of these negative emotions is crucial in order to live a fulfilling and purposeful life.
FEAR
Fear is a powerful force that can block destinies and prevent individuals from reaching their full potential. It can stem from various sources such as past experiences, unrealistic expectations, or growing up in a highly controlled environment. However, it is crucial to recognize that God has a specific plan for each person, one that involves growing in faith to overcome fear and allow faith to drive one’s destiny forward.
During moments of prayer and communion, the spirit of fear can be lifted, allowing individuals to aspire, move courageously, and break free from the limitations imposed by fear. By stepping outside the boundaries of fear, one can experience breakthroughs and emerge into new opportunities that were previously hindered by fear.
It is essential to confront and address the specific fears that hold individuals back, whether it be fear of failure, rejection, lack, or even death. By letting go of these fears and trusting in God’s plan, individuals can move towards their destiny with confidence and courage, just as Abraham did when he stepped out in faith during his year of emergence.
Transitioning from the familiar to the unfamiliar paths of destiny, fear did not hinder him. In the Bible, around verse three or so, it is mentioned that Abraham departed. Moving on to verse four, it states that Abraham departed as the Lord had instructed him, in accordance with the word of God. Obedience to the word of God is an act of faith. Faith, in essence, is taking obedient actions based on the word of God. Real faith is not just about believing, but also about acting upon those beliefs. Abraham departed as the Lord had commanded him, as the scripture narrates.
This year, someone may be on the verge of stepping into what God has revealed to them, moving towards the fulfillment of their destiny. Abraham could have been paralyzed by the fear of the unknown or the fear of the future, but he chose to obey God’s instructions. When fear begins to control you, the word of God and divine guidance may seem incomprehensible. Fear acts as a self-imposed barrier that prevents you from reaching your full potential, hindering you from becoming what God has intended for you.
To combat fear, one must utilize the weapons of faith and love. The Bible speaks of a shield of faith that can extinguish all the fiery arrows of the enemy, including fear. When fear is thrown at you, faith acts as a shield of protection. It is crucial to trust in God and pray fervently, rather than succumbing to fear. It is counterproductive to spend the night in prayer only to be frightened by common household pests in the morning. Overcoming fear requires a combination of faith and love, as outlined in the scriptures.
Africans possess a unique ability to perceive threats in various situations, often leading them to view many things as potential enemies due to underlying fears. However, it is crucial to understand that a significant portion of what we label as enemies is primarily driven by fear itself. These perceived enemies may indeed exist, but they lack the power to directly confront you. Instead, they tend to manifest in subtle ways, such as transforming into harmless creatures like cats at night or cockroaches in the morning, especially in unclean environments.
While this may sound somewhat lighthearted, the message is conveyed sincerely. In the upcoming year, it is essential not to flee from encounters with cockroaches or any other symbolic representation of fear. Embracing a mindset of courage and resilience is key to navigating through challenges. As the Bible states, we are more than conquerors through the love of God, indicating that no force opposing us can ultimately prevail.
Living in the year of emergence entails adopting a proactive approach rather than constantly evading perceived threats. When faced with individuals who seem to act against you, the scriptural advice to love your enemies serves as a guiding principle. By radiating positivity and refusing to succumb to fear, one can effectively counter any negative influences attempting to infiltrate their life.
Recognizing the spiritual forces at play within oneself is crucial, especially when confronted with malevolent energies seeking to cause harm. By embodying righteousness, peace, and joy through the Holy Spirit, one can repel the influence of fear-driven entities like the devil. Understanding that fear acts as a gateway for negative forces to exploit is pivotal in maintaining spiritual fortitude and warding off potential threats.
Dogs are like a metaphor for the devil’s tactics, as explained in the text. The idea is that just like a dog barks to intimidate and scare you, the devil tries to instill fear in you to gain control over your life. However, if you stand your ground and show no fear, the devil, like the dog, will eventually back down. It’s all about not giving in to fear and standing firm in your faith and beliefs.
The text also emphasizes the importance of living a life driven by the forces of the Kingdom, such as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. By embracing the love of God and having faith in His plan for your life, you can overcome any challenges or obstacles that come your way. It’s about trusting in God’s protection and guidance to lead you to your destiny.
The reference to Luke 22:31 further reinforces the idea that the devil seeks permission to test your faith and shake your beliefs. However, just like Jesus prayed for Peter’s faith not to fail, you can also rely on God’s strength and protection to overcome any trials or temptations. By standing strong in your faith and trusting in God’s plan, you can resist the devil’s tactics and live a life filled with blessings and abundance.
Jesus expressed his prayers for Peter, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful regardless of the circumstances. He urged Peter to remember this commitment even after turning back and being restored, encouraging him to make it his life’s purpose to strengthen the faith of his fellow believers. The transformation that God would bring about in Peter’s life that year would essentially turn him into a missionary, dedicated to fortifying the faith of others in the name of the Lord Jesus.
It was highlighted that the devil would attempt to challenge Peter’s faith in the upcoming year, but the appropriate response would be to engage in prayer, delve into the Scriptures, and spend time in God’s presence. By doing so, Peter’s faith would be fortified, and he would gain a deeper understanding of God’s love, as mentioned in 1 John 4:10, which states that perfect love drives out fear.
MATERIALISM
The text emphasized that when one’s life is consumed by materialism, the pursuit of acquiring more possessions becomes the primary goal. This misguided belief that accumulating more will lead to greater happiness, importance, and security can ultimately overshadow one’s true purpose in life. The narrative shared a personal anecdote about the allure of material possessions, such as a brand new car, and the false sense of fulfillment it initially brought.
The story recounted the narrator’s experience of longing for a new car many years ago, believing that owning one would elevate their status and bring unparalleled joy. This fixation on material possessions, driven by the misconception that they hold the key to happiness and fulfillment, can lead individuals astray from their true calling and purpose in life. The cautionary tale served as a reminder of the dangers of materialism and the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth and faith over worldly desires.
I have shared a story previously about how I picked up my new official car from the office and drove to the estate where I used to live on Lagos mainland. Even the security guard simply opened the gate without much fanfare, which left me feeling a bit disappointed. As I drove to my house, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated because I had been practicing visualizing this moment for weeks. I had been told that once I got a car in this estate, people would show me more respect, but none of my neighbors came out to congratulate me. It made me realize that rewarding yourself with a new car should not be about seeking attention or materialism, but rather about enjoying the fruits of your hard work and blessings from God.
Turning a new car into a symbol of materialism can be detrimental to one’s destiny, as it can shift the focus of one’s life solely towards money. The story of Achan in the book of Joshua chapter 7 serves as a cautionary tale for modern-day Christians. When Israel went to war against the small town of Ai, they were unexpectedly defeated, leading them to question how such a small town could overpower them after their victory at Jericho. It was later revealed that someone had taken something that was cursed, causing their downfall. This story serves as a reminder that when we start falling before what we should be conquering, it’s essential to reflect on our motives and ensure that our actions are guided by God rather than material desires.
When you begin to embrace materialism, you unknowingly set yourself on a path that can alter your destiny. Your desires start to shift towards things that are not in alignment with what God has intended for you. As you become consumed by the pursuit of possessions that are not meant for you, you may find yourself taking what does not rightfully belong to you, just like Achan in the Bible.
In the story of Achan, when God revealed through the casting of lots that Achan was the one who had sinned, Joshua urged him to confess and give glory to God. Achan admitted to his wrongdoing, confessing that he had coveted and taken a beautiful Babylonian garment among the spoils, leading to his downfall. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of coveting and taking what is not rightfully yours, as it can lead to severe consequences.
As we enter a new year, it is essential to remind ourselves not to covet or desire things that God has not given us. We must be vigilant against the lure of material possessions that may lead us astray from our true path. Just like Achan, who faced the ultimate price for his actions, we must strive to avoid falling into the trap of unbridled materialism that can block and destroy our destiny. Let us learn from Achan’s story and Gehazi’s fate in 2 Kings 5, where materialism led to their downfall, and commit to seeking God’s will and provision in all aspects of our lives.
Gehazi’s story is a cautionary tale of how materialism can lead to the destruction and blockade of destiny. The anointing that Elijah carried mesmerized the whole of Israel and Samaria, and Elisha received a double portion of that anointing for faithfully serving Elijah. However, Gehazi’s materialistic desires prevented him from receiving the double portion, as he was supposed to. This serves as a reminder that materialism can hinder us from fulfilling our divine destiny, just as it did for Gehazi.
NEED FOR APPROVAL
Furthermore, the need for approval can also be a destiny blocker. Many people are driven by the need for approval from others, whether it be parents, spouses, children, or mentors. This can lead them away from God’s will for their lives, as seen in the story of the old and young prophet. When the young prophet succumbed to the old prophet’s expectations against God’s instructions, it led to tragic consequences. It’s important to resist the pressure of external influences and seek God’s will for our lives, so that our destiny is not controlled by others.