What is that one thing in your life that just won’t go away?
You know the solution. You’ve tried. Again and again, you’ve put in the effort—only to fall back into the same patterns. Why?
We all have something we battle. Even when we’ve been blessed, even when we’ve been rescued, we can still find ourselves struggling despite the goodness poured into our lives.
It reminds me of the Israelites.
Over and over, God showed up for them—rescued them from Egypt, shielded them from the plagues, split the sea, destroyed their enemies, provided fresh water, food, and even guided them swiftly to the edge of the Promised Land. Yet, what did they do? Distrust. Fear. Complaints.
"All the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron, and all the people said to them, 'We wish we had died in Egypt or in this desert.'" (Numbers 14:2 NCV)
What?! Seriously? When is enough—enough?
How good does it have to get for us to truly be content? Why do we hesitate when stepping forward into the life that would actually bring us joy?
The truth? Change requires effort. Discipline. Faith.
We have to draw a line in the sand, mark the spot, and declare, “Start.” And then—actually start. No more halfway attempts, no more excuses. Just a real, intentional, faith-filled beginning.
But here's the thing: it only happens when we are sufficiently disturbed by our own misery. When we finally say, “I cannot stay here anymore.”
The Israelites?
Instead of moving forward, they said: “We would be better off going back to Egypt.” They said to each other, “Let’s choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” (Numbers 14:3-4 NCV)
Wow. Shocking, right? Yet, how often do we do the same?
God provides, yet we cling to what’s familiar—even if it’s broken. Real change? It takes courage. It takes the willingness to stretch, to grow, to do the hard things that will ultimately make us better, happier, and whole.
"We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back... Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying." (Hebrews 12:1, 3 NCV)
But what happens when we do get tired? When it does get hard?
Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you, strengthen you, and carry you through. He will. Surround yourself with a few trusted, confidential friends who will hold you accountable.
Because here’s the truth—you and I really can do anything with God’s help. It’s not just a cliché. It’s real.
LORD, help us overcome. Help us love You enough to do the hard things—not just for our own sake, but out of love for You and for others. We need You. Help us.
IJNIP, Amen. ❤️
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