Breakthrough - Overcoming Everyday Obstacles

"I can do all things through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13 NIV)

Do you have dreams that you feel have been diminished or denied? What are your deep, God-given desires that have, through time, been defied, boxed, or shelved. Have you ever woken up and found yourself stuck in the corner of a crummy circumstance, invalidated, unappreciated, misunderstood, and forgotten? People tend to only see what's on the outside and think those things are your only gifting. People often box us in. Sometimes people box us in and other times we box ourselves in. Either way, no one enjoys being boxed or having a lid that limits ability. Who or what is holding you back from accomplishing your goals and reaching your vivacious vision in life? Only you can answer that question. Nevertheless, overcoming everyday obstacles is possible with breakthrough.

I remember a few years back deciding that I wanted to lose weight. I had put on over thirty extra pounds of extra baggage. My input had outwardly become a wall of weight. I was burdened with baggage, both emotionally and physically. I knew what I wanted to look like but didn't quite know how to break free from the box that I was stuck in. With every comment or joke innocently made by others about how I had changed, it was a reminder of what I had become. Like adding another brick to the wall, I was boxed in. I had spent far too many hours in buffet lines resulting in triple the amount of time in the gym on stair-climbers, elliptical, and weight-machines. It takes both time and energy to burn calories. It takes a far less amount of time and energy to eat them. I found that it takes time and energy to overcome everyday obstacles, but it is possible. I've lost over thirty pounds in the last few years.

For breakthrough, it requires the wisdom of a coach and the accountability of a close friend. It's important to connect with a coach, comrade, and Christ. Surrounding yourself with people who genuinely believe in you is the key factor to staying the course for the long-hall. If you don't have authentic mentors and genuine friends, you are extremely vulnerable. A mentor offers a baseline of wisdom and a friend validates your dreams. He or she provides perspective when you become dispirited and a friend brings fun and laughter into your life. A mentor inspires you to be a better person and a friend is merciful when you have failed. Above all, God is the strength that works in and through you to breakthrough every wall that keeps you from reaching your potential.

Sometimes the best lessons in life are learned by wearing the weight of wrong choices and decisions. But through it all, don't allow fear to keep you from becoming who you can be. Do not allow fear to rob you of a chance to shape (or reshape) your future. I want to encourage you today to break free from every binding burden that hinders you. Be loosened from all the chains and lies that limit you from realizing your true potential. Bust through every barrier by refusing to give your fears more authority than you do the strength of God. Step by step, live a life of liberty to the fullest degree. Walk faithfully with the fortitude to remain free from fear.

Be encouraged to experience breakthrough in your future by overcoming the obstacle of disbelief. Breakthrough in your finances by overcoming the obstacle of debt. Breakthrough in your field (career) by overcoming the obstacle of disqualification. Breakthrough in your family by overcoming the obstacle of dysfunction. Breakthrough in your faith by overcoming the obstacle of fear. And as you shed the weight of worry by busting through every wall, run with joy, knowing you are empowered with His promise that declares you can do all things through Him.

Together we can make it a great day!
Rev. Ryan Bunbury