Life and all its challenges have a way of placing roadblocks in each of our lives. However, what the enemy of our souls meant for bad or to destroy us, God has allowed it so Romans 8:28 can come alive in each of lives. This powerful scripture says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

      Let no sin hold you back. Even though sin is a reality, but because of Jesus, it has been defeated. Romans 6:12-14 reminds us, “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So, use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.”

     Let no issues hold you back. If you are alive and breathing, you have issues and a past. Some of us are still dealing with what I like to call a “thorn”. It is that thing that you’ve prayed for God to remove, and He has chosen to let it remain. I am not talking about sin and deliberate disobedience. For me, this “thorn” would be my speech impediment. I have prayed so many times for God to remove it, to heal it. God did not! He uses my speech impediment to remind me to “Let Nothing Hold You Back” from serving the Living God. God shows me that His mercy and grace is sufficient for me (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). Do not allow your “thorn” or your past to hinder you from obeying God.

     On today, it is important for you and me to remember that we cannot allow any person or situation to hold us back. Hebrews 12:1 reminds us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Because God’s grace is available to us, we do not have to face our issues alone. As you trust in Jesus and His plan, He will empower you to do all things. Be encouraged today no matter what your issue may be and “Let Nothing Hold You Back”!

“Let Nothing Hold You Back” 2.0 Prayer: Most Gracious, Heavenly Father, thank you! Though life, my issues, my thorn have been difficult, I thank you anyway. I thank you for your grace. Each obstacle, each heartache, every disappointment, and every tear were orchestrated for my good but for your glory. Lord, I need the help of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct me. I need the power of Jesus to enable me to do what I cannot do in my human strength. I’m thankful that today is a new day. Today, I will not allow any person, any thorn, any situation, or my past to hold me back from serving you and living for you. I willingly lay aside every weight that tries to entangle me and stop me from serving you. I surrender all my life to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.