Mrs. Rev Podcast: Your Number 1 Limiting Factor
The number one hindrance you will face in 2020 probably will not be from the enemy but from your own bad thinking. Your voice is the most influential voice in your life. It is a wonderful servant and a horrible master. If you allow yourself to meditate on negative thoughts or past events, you will put limits on what you believe you can do. Luckily, as Christians, we can measure all of our thoughts against the truth of God’s Word and take the limits off what we believe God’s will is for our life!
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)
3 Thought patterns that will limit you in 2020
Past Thinking
Our minds are wired to think about the past. Studies show that you typically meditate on the same 3-4 thoughts every day. Unfortunately, many thoughts that we have about our pasts are not accurate.
You might find that you think about a mistake you made at work, the way another person treated you, or an expected tragedy. Those past situations can affect the way you view your future if you let them. For example, if you did not do well in school, you might think that you are unintelligent. When you allow thoughts about the past to rule your mind, you will not be able to move forward to everything God has called you to do.
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
Instead of thinking about the past, you need to weigh every thought against the Word of God. Your spirit is in control of your mind, so you need to decide that your mind will serve your spirit.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.“ 2 Corinthians 10:5
It takes time, but if you stay consistent, you can retrain your mind to think positively and to stop dwelling on the past.
Q: What past situations still have a place in your daily thoughts? Write them down and identify one negative thought you have because of that situation. Then, find a Bible verse that declares who you are in Christ instead. For example:
If you do not feel smart enough, declare that you have the mind of Christ. (1 Cor. 2:16)
If your mind says you are not pretty enough or thin enough, declare that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
If your mind says you are afraid, declare that you walk with the protection of the Lord, and He is your rear guard. (Isaiah 8:8)
Inadequacy
You have to stop thinking that you’re not good enough and take the word “can’t” out of your vocabulary. God has created plans specifically for you to do. You have to know that if God called you to something, He will give you the skills, resources, and relationships necessary to see it through.
“God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13
Your destiny is made complete when you come into a relationship with Jesus Christ. No one can call you inadequate if God has called you whole and complete! Sometimes we can feel inadequate because we feel like we are not good enough to do what God is asking us to do. But, if you feel like you can do it in your own strength, that’s not God’s best! You have to start believing that you can do what you’re called to do not in your own strength in Him and by His strength.
You have to stop being the only voice saying you can’t do it.
Q: What are the things in your life that are making you feel inadequate? In this episode, Pastor Joie talked about fasting social media or cutting off bad relationships. Ask the Lord if this is something you should consider, especially in connection with a time of fasting and prayer.
Overthinking
Overthinking will drain the faith right out of you and fill you with anxiety and stress.
“ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:6-8
Instead of thinking about the worst-case scenario, think about the best-case scenario! Instead of thinking about what other people have said about you, think about what God says about you! Remember that when you meditate on truth, it dispels lies. As you retrain your mind to think in line with Philippians 4:8, you will have supernatural peace.
Pray it out: Heavenly Father, I thank you once again for making me with unique gifts, talents, and desires. Thank you for making me an original, not a copy. God, fill me with confidence and boldness by your Holy Spirit. Help me not to look to the right or left but to stay focused on your Word and your purpose. Give me a greater understanding of who I am in you, and help me to exercise self-control over my mind. Today I decide to take control of my mind, accept your plans for my life, and lean on you for the strength to fulfill those plans and bring you glory here on Earth. In Jesus name, Amen.