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Overcoming Spiritual Obstacles and Challenges – Viral Believer
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Overcoming Spiritual Obstacles and Challenges

Every believer encounters difficulties and hardships along their faith journey. Spiritual obstacles and challenges are inevitable in the life of a Christian, but they serve to test our faith and help us grow stronger in our walk with God.

In this blog post, we will delve into the issue of overcoming these spiritual obstacles and challenges, by examining what the Bible has to say on this subject and providing practical advice on how to face these struggles with hope and perseverance.

Remember that through our faith and trust in God, we can find the strength to overcome even the most formidable spiritual battles.

Our Father loves us and desires for us to experience victory in our daily lives. With the right mindset, biblical guidance, and continual reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome any spiritual obstacle and challenge.

Key Takeaways:

  • Spiritual obstacles and challenges are inevitable in our Christian walk
  • We can find strength in our faith and trust in God to overcome these struggles
  • Our Father loves us and desires for us to experience victory in our daily lives
  • With the right mindset, biblical guidance, and continual reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can overcome any spiritual obstacle and challenge

Recognizing and Identifying Spiritual Obstacles

One of the first steps in overcoming spiritual challenges is to recognize and identify them. Spiritual obstacles can come in various forms, such as doubt, fear, temptation, unforgiveness, or pride. These challenges often serve as tests from God to strengthen our faith and trust in Him.

As we examine our lives and the struggles we face, we must seek God’s wisdom and guidance to recognize the specific issues that are holding us back from experiencing the fullness of His blessings.

The Bible, specifically the New Testament, offers valuable insights into these spiritual obstacles and how they can be overcome. Make it a point to engage in regular prayer and Bible reading to deepen your understanding of these challenges and gain wisdom for overcoming them.

Relying on the Power of the Holy Spirit

We cannot overcome life’s challenges on our own. Jesus promised that He would send the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter, Teacher, and Guide (John 14:26).

It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can find the strength and wisdom to overcome the obstacles we face, and He is always with us, just as Jesus promised (Matthew 28:20).

Relying on the Holy Spirit means daily surrendering our will to His and inviting Him to work in our life. This enables us to walk in the victory that Jesus has already won for us through His death and resurrection.

To empower us, we need to cultivate an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit by spending time in prayer and reading God’s Word, being sensitive to His prompting and relying on Him for strength in our daily life.

Overcoming Doubt and Fear

Doubt and fear are common spiritual challenges that can cause us to question our faith and feel disconnected from God.

Thankfully, the Bible offers hope and profound encouragement for overcoming these hurdles. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

To overcome doubt and fear, one must learn to trust God’s promises found in His Word. Meditate on scriptures that proclaim God’s love, provision, and protection, such as Psalm 23, Psalm 91, and Romans 8:28.

As you grow in your understanding of God’s nature and character, you will be better equipped to face the doubts and fears that may arise in your life.

Seeking Fellowship and Accountability

Overcoming spiritual obstacles is not a solitary endeavor. God has designed His church to be a supportive and uplifting community that helps us grow in our faith and work through the challenges we face.

The Bible encourages fellowship among believers (Hebrews 10:24-25) and accountability to one another (James 5:16) to ensure that we don’t walk this journey alone.

Find a local church or Christian community where you can be part of a small group or Bible study. The relationships built in these settings can provide much-needed encouragement and support as you navigate your spiritual journey.

Learn to be transparent about your struggles, and you will likely discover that others have faced or are facing similar challenges. Together, you can lean on each other’s collective strength, experience, and wisdom to tackle these obstacles head-on.

Embracing Prayer and God’s Word

Prayer and reading the Word of God are vital tools for overcoming spiritual obstacles. Prayer connects us with God and allows us to present our concerns and struggles to Him. It is also an opportunity to listen for His guidance and receive comfort during difficult times.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) urges us to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Commit to spending time in prayer daily, and don’t hesitate to bring your challenges before God. In addition, immerse yourself in God’s Word, taking time to study, meditate on, and apply biblical truths to your life.

The Bible is described as a “lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105, NKJV), providing wisdom and guidance for our journey with Christ.

Resisting Temptation

Resisting temptation is a significant spiritual challenge faced by most believers. The enemy, Satan, is always looking to tempt us into sin and distract us from our relationship with God (1 Peter 5:8). However, the Bible teaches us that we have the power to resist and overcome temptation through Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) says, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

This verse reminds us of God’s faithfulness in helping us overcome temptations.

To resist temptation, we must first recognize it and be alert to the enemy’s tactics. Pray for discernment and wisdom to identify temptations before they escalate.

Secondly, we must fight temptation by putting on the spiritual armor outlined in Ephesians 6:10-18. This includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.

Finally, we must seek accountability and support from other believers, regularly confessing our struggles and praying for one another (James 5:16).

Cultivating Humility and Forgiveness

Pride and unforgiveness are spiritual obstacles that can hinder our relationship with God and others. Scriptures such as Proverbs 16:18 remind us that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (NKJV). To overcome these obstacles, we must cultivate humility and forgiveness in our daily lives.

Humility is an essential virtue for a believer. It means recognizing that we are dependent on God and acknowledging that we do not have all the answers. To cultivate humility, maintain a posture of servanthood and gratitude, submit to God’s will, and seek wise counsel from others.

Jesus modeled humility for us, and as Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV) says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Forgiveness is another vital aspect of overcoming spiritual obstacles. Unforgiveness can lead to bitterness and resentment, which can hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with God. Jesus taught us to forgive others as our heavenly Father has forgiven us (Matthew 6:14-15).

To cultivate forgiveness, be intentional in seeking reconciliation, pray for those who have wronged you, and strive to grow in empathy and understanding, reflecting on God’s grace that has been extended to you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, overcoming spiritual obstacles and challenges requires faith, commitment, and a firm reliance on God’s promises and power.

Recognizing and identifying these obstacles is the first step, followed by relying on the Holy Spirit, overcoming doubt and fear, seeking fellowship and accountability, embracing prayer and God’s Word, resisting temptation, and cultivating humility and forgiveness.

As you strive to overcome these spiritual hurdles, remember that God is always with you, cheering you on and providing you with the strength necessary to overcome.

Trust in Him, rely on His Word and the Holy Spirit, and enjoy the growth and deeper relationship that comes from conquering these challenges. Ultimately, the journey will make you a stronger, wiser, and more authentic follower of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.