Spiritual Hinderances

“And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. Genesis 19:16.

Procrastination is “the act of willfully delaying the doing of something that should be done,” and in some people it is a habitual way of handling any task. Those who lean towards perfectionism are usually avid procrastinators; the fear of failing or not getting things “exactly” right impedes their spiritual and physical growth.

The account of God’s removal of Lot from the wicked city of Sodom and Gomorrah shows Lot’s resistance from leaving the city when it was about to be destroyed by God. He was instructed by the angels to take his wife and daughters and leave the city to prevent them from also being in the destruction; We easily see the mercy of God extended to Lot through the angel’s protection and removal of him and his family; “And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. Genesis 19:16.

What caused Lot to be hesitant…what could he have been thinking- was it from sorrow at the prospect of losing all his property, friends, or achievements over the years? Or was it that his compassionate heart suddenly paralyzed by thoughts of the awful crisis about to occur? He and his family were in imminent danger…and yet he stops to hesitate! But the mercy of God intervened and immediately took their hands and led them out of the city.

If you find yourself being hesitant and unsure about which way to go, when obviously faced with circumstances that can be detrimental to your physical and spiritual wellbeing; stop, listen, and obey the guidance of the Holy Spirit; resting in the assurance of these comforting words from the Lord: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23.

The enemy of our souls is constantly placing landmines in our path to hinder our spiritual growth, but absolutely nothing and no one can thwart the plans of God for His beloved children. So, pray, trust, meditate, and rest in His loving kindness, He will take your hand and lead the way. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.” Psalm 46:1-3.

Wherever our fears and uncertainties may lie today, God has the ultimate plan and will provide a way to guide us according to His divine providence; let us submit to His will, and cast all our cares over to Him. . . “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7.

 

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