What is holding you back?

SPRINGFIELD, MO. – Are you dissatisfied with your spiritual life? Is your life lacking power, vitality and joy? Do you feel like you’re just going through the motions Sunday after Sunday? Well, you’re not alone.

Many believers are in search of something more. Some say they long for "a deeper faith." Others say they want "revival" or "renewal." But, for the most part, they seek the same thing: They want the intimacy with Jesus of the Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30) and the power of the Holy Spirit of the Upper Room (Acts 2:1-4). They desire a relationship with Jesus that results in evangelism (Acts 2:5-40), charity (Acts 2:42-47), and power (Acts 3:1-10).

So, what prevents believers from experiencing all that God has for them?

1. Some talk about having intimacy with Jesus but are unwilling to take steps to know Him. They need to talk to Him more, read about His life in Scripture, and commit themselves to following His principles.

2. Some are content to coast through life with only a portion of God’s blessing and power. They attend church services sporadically and open their Bibles occasionally, but they’re existing on religious morsels. Sunday morning religion isn’t enough. Following Jesus is a lifestyle, a daily adventure that requires our active participation.

3. Some have sin in their lives that separates them from their Savior. They must invite God to remove spiritual obstructions such as pride, guilt, cynicism, gossip, idolatry, lust, greed and more. First John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

4. Some do not tell others about Jesus and His gift of eternal life. The power of the Holy Spirit is not evident in their lives because they have resolved to keep the message of Jesus Christ to themselves. They must throw down the shackles of fear and apathy and invite the Holy Spirit to speak through them to a lost generation.

If there are hindrances in your life that are holding you back, simply ask the Lord to remove them. Tell Him you’re dissatisfied with powerless religion. Tell Jesus you want to know Him intimately and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. He’s anxiously waiting to hear you speak the words, "I want more."

— Hal Donaldson