Warning: Resisting God Could Be The Reason You’re Stuck

TODAY'S TEACHING
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
—Psalm 139:23-24
Sometimes, when God is convicting us of sin, we can feel uncomfortable—moody, even.
It's like having a weight on your chest that just won't let up.
But that conviction isn’t there to punish us.
It’s there to get our attention, to show us what we need to change.
Until we admit our sin and ask for forgiveness, it’s like walking around with a storm cloud hanging over us.
But the moment we come into agreement with God and let go of whatever He has asked us to change, peace floods back in, and we feel lighter.
I remember a time when I was holding onto guilt over something I’d done, and it was eating at me.
I felt distant from God, thinking He was angry with me.
But once I finally confessed, asked for forgiveness, and chose to turn from that sin, I felt His peace rush in.
It was like a flood of light pushing out the darkness I’d been carrying around.
God didn’t leave me.
My own shame had kept me from His presence.
That’s what the enemy does.
He tries to keep us stuck in condemnation, making us think we’re too far gone to approach God.
But conviction, on the other hand, is a gift.
When looked at correctly, it doesn’t make you feel worse about yourself.
It lifts you out of sin and draws you closer to God.
I’ve learned that when I start my prayer time, I ask God to reveal anything I need to confess.
It’s not a punishment.
It’s an invitation to get closer to Him.
Conviction is necessary for us to walk closely with God.
It’s not something to fear.
It’s something to embrace.
So, don’t resist it.
Doing so is why some Believers feel stuck.
Let God draw you into freedom and intimacy with Him, and let Him lift you up to a better place.
If this resonates with you, here's a short prayer you can say today:
"Dear God, I thank You for the gift of conviction, even when it feels uncomfortable. I know it’s not meant to shame me but to guide me back to You. Help me recognize the difference between conviction and condemnation, and remind me that You are always calling me higher. I receive Your correction as a blessing, and I ask You to cleanse me, lift me up, and draw me closer to Your heart. Amen."
God bless you!
Your brother in Christ,
Daniel
DailyEffectivePrayer.org
P.S. - Thank you for allowing me to connect with you through email. If you ever want to UNSUBSCRIBE you can do so at the bottom of any of my emails - no questions asked. God bless you.
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TODAY'S DAILY PRAYERS
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TODAY'S QUESTIONS
1. Why might we be resisting God's direction in our lives, and how can we recognize if this resistance is hindering our spiritual growth?
Sometimes, we resist God simply because we’re afraid. We’re scared of what will happen if we let go of our own plans and let God take the wheel. It’s like trying to steer a car with a tight grip on the wheel, thinking you’re in control, but you’re actually fighting the road and making the ride a whole lot bumpier than it needs to be. If we’re feeling stuck, it might be because we’ve been holding on too tightly to our own will, not trusting that God knows the best route. We need to recognize that resistance by checking how often we feel exhausted, frustrated, or like we’re running in circles. When we stop listening to His guidance, we’re essentially driving without GPS, and that’s never a smooth ride.
2. What are some common signs that Christians may be blocking God's will for them, and how can we surrender our will to Him more fully?
We block God’s will in ways that are sneaky. It could be through our stubbornness, or even our worry—when we sit and stew, trying to figure out the answer on our own. If we find ourselves consistently stressed out, second-guessing, or avoiding His Word, that’s a red flag that we're resisting His plan. Surrendering starts with a willingness to admit that we can’t do it all ourselves. Think of it like holding a heavy load in your hands. When you finally set it down, you realize how much lighter you feel. The first step in surrender is letting go of our need to control everything and choosing to trust that God knows what He's doing, even when we don't see the full picture.
3. In what areas of our lives might we be holding onto control, and how does this resistance impact our relationship with God?
We all have areas where we like to keep a tight grip. Whether it's our finances, relationships, or our career. It's like trying to plant a garden but constantly pulling the weeds yourself instead of letting the soil do its work. When we don’t let God take the lead, we miss out on the beauty He’s trying to grow in our lives. Resistance creates what feels like distance between us and God because we’re not fully trusting Him. It’s like having a conversation with someone but constantly interrupting them, you never hear their full heart. In the same way, God wants to speak to us, but when we’re holding on too tightly, we can’t hear Him clearly.
4. How can Believers cultivate a spirit of obedience and trust in God's plan, even when we face challenges or don't understand His timing?
Obedience doesn’t always feel easy, especially when the road gets tough. But it’s like planting a tree: the roots need to grow deep before the tree can bear fruit. We trust God’s timing by remembering that He sees the whole forest, while we’re only focused on one tree. When challenges come, instead of questioning why things are so hard, we can remind ourselves that God is still at work, shaping us through the process. Trusting Him is an act of faith, like a child trusting their parent to catch them when they leap. We don’t always have to understand why things happen, but we can trust that God is faithful and that His plan for us is good.
5. What steps can we take together as a Christian community to encourage one another in yielding to God's guidance and overcoming resistance in our faith journey?
We’re all in this together, and we need each other to keep moving forward. Just like a team rowing in sync, when we lift each other up, we can move forward faster and with more strength. To encourage one another, we have to be real—sharing our struggles, offering prayer, and reminding each other of God's promises. It’s about being a safe place where we can admit our resistance without judgment and find the strength to let go together. When we hold each other accountable in love, we make it easier for everyone to stay on track. This journey isn’t meant to be walked alone. God placed us in community for a reason, and together, we can help one another yield to His will.
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Scripture Of The Week
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.
—Psalm 1:1