This is your disclaimer:
This post is intended for the warriors – the folks who are ready to let go and let God. Not in the cutesy little Etsy type of way – but in the ugly – messy – warrior type of way. So proceed with caution because I’m about to hurt your feelings.
Change—it’s a small word with massive implications. It’s challenging, uncomfortable, and often downright painful. Yet, without change, we stagnate. Staying in the familiar might feel safe, but if we refuse to move, we risk spiritual death. God calls us to more, to better, to new. But stepping into the new requires letting go of the old, trusting Him fully, and surrendering to the transformation He wants to work in us.
The Danger of Staying Comfortable
Comfort zones feel good. They’re predictable, safe, and easy. But they’re also where dreams go to die. Growth doesn’t happen in the safe places—it happens in the stretching, in the resistance, in that “sandpaper action”, in the unknown. God doesn’t call us to comfort; He calls us to faithfulness. He challenges us to move beyond what we know, not to see us struggle, but to help us thrive. The good news is not that we get to have this beautiful and cushy life – it’s that we get to escape the hell that we deserved. Think about that! We do not deserve heaven but Jesus came and died a miserable death so we could escape hell. As I sit here in my snuggie thinking, “Man my feet are cold, I need some new, comfy socks” I am instantly convicted by these words! I don’t exist in the Kingdom of Heaven to wear comfy socks. I’m a soldier.
Many of us resist change, not because we can’t change, but because we won’t. Often, it’s unforgiveness or fear that keeps us tethered to the past. We tell ourselves all kinds of lies, but the truth is, holding on to old habits and mindsets is what keeps us stuck. I’m not sure about you, but for me – I refuse to live like this. I refuse to be the weakest link in my circle. I will not be the donkey that God is trying to push forward but I’m digging my hoofs in and kicking at Him. That to me is crazy when I truly consider and reflect on my actions and realize how much of a brat I can be when I’m being resistant.
What Resistance Looks Like
The tricky part about resistance is that we don’t always realize we’re doing it. It can sneak in under the guise of busyness, doubt, or even perfectionism. We might think we’re just being cautious, thorough, or waiting for the “right time,” when in reality, we’re resisting what God is asking us to do.
Resistance can look like:
- Procrastination: Delaying what you know God has asked you to do because it feels overwhelming or inconvenient.
- Rationalizing: Making excuses for why the change isn’t necessary or why now isn’t the right time.
- Overthinking: Paralyzing yourself with “what-ifs” and scenarios, instead of stepping out in faith.
- Disengagement: Pulling back emotionally or spiritually, convincing yourself that it’s easier not to try.
- Clinging to Comfort: Choosing familiarity over faith, even when you know it’s not where you’re meant to stay.
Recognizing resistance is the first step to overcoming it. When we identify where we’re hesitating, we can bring it to God and ask for His help in moving forward. He is so faithful and so gracious with us. He will come with comfort instantly and with that peace that surpasses all understanding if we would only recognize and humble ourselves to His help.
When We Resist, We Deceive Ourselves
Resistance to change is often rooted in fear—fear of failure, fear of loss, or fear of the unknown. But here’s the reality: when we resist, it’s painfully obvious to those around us. We may think we’re hiding it well, but you better believe that your squad can see it! They see fear or hesitation in us, even when we think we’re hiding it.
To them, our resistance can be heartbreaking because they see the potential we’re refusing to embrace. They see the opportunities we’re missing and the growth we’re avoiding. People are placed by God in our lives to encourage our growth and here we are being donkeys again kicking at the people around us that WE PRAYED WOULD BE PLACED IN OUR LIVES! We prayed for friends and family, good leaders and faithful Christians to be surrounding us and now here we are in our snuggies kicking at them like fools. Our resistance doesn’t just hinder our own progress; it sends a clear message to those who love us: I’m afraid. I’m unwilling. I’m stuck.
Change is often a communal journey. God places people in our lives to walk with us, to encourage us, and to grow alongside us. When we refuse to move forward, we’re not just hurting ourselves; we’re affecting those who are on the journey with us. They don’t want to leave us behind, but they can’t stop their own growth to wait for us forever. That’s why resistance to change is so tragic—it isolates us and keeps us stuck in a place God never intended us to stay.
Yea they may look cute – wait till one kicks you.
Tired of the Journey
Let’s be real: change is exhausting. The constant refining, the endless stretching, and the repeated call to step out of our comfort zones—it can leave us feeling tired. Maybe you’re at a point where you’re just done. You’re tired of the journey, tired of moving forward, tired of always having to take the next step.
You’re not alone in feeling this way. Even great heroes of the Bible, like Elijah, felt weary. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah was so exhausted that he sat under a tree and prayed for God to take him home. But God wasn’t done with him yet, just as He isn’t done with you. Instead of letting Elijah quit, God nourished him, strengthened him, and sent him back out with renewed purpose.
Here’s the encouraging truth: if you’re still alive, it’s because your mission isn’t finished. God has a purpose for you. If He were done with you, He’d call you home. But you’re still here, still breathing, because He has more for you to do.
What If I Just Don’t Want to Do It?
Let’s be real—sometimes it’s not fear or discomfort holding us back. Sometimes, we simply don’t want to do what God is asking of us. Maybe it feels inconvenient, unexciting, or like it requires more energy than we feel like giving. Whatever the reason, the bottom line remains: I don’t want to do it.
Here’s the hard truth: obedience isn’t about how we feel—it’s about trusting God enough to say yes.
When Feelings Get in the Way
It’s easy to obey God when what He asks aligns with our plans, preferences, or passions. But what about when it doesn’t? What about when His call interrupts our schedule, feels unimportant, or doesn’t spark any excitement in us?
This is where the tension between our will and God’s will arises. And here’s the danger: feelings can be deceptive. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Just because we don’t feel like doing something doesn’t mean it’s not vital. God’s call isn’t based on our preferences—it’s based on His purpose.
The Truth About Resistance
When we resist doing what God asks, it often stems from pride. It’s the subtle (or not-so-subtle) belief that our plans, desires, or comfort are more important than His purposes. Let’s call it what it is: resistance is disobedience.
Think about Jonah. When God called him to go to Nineveh, he didn’t hesitate out of fear—he didn’t want to go. Jonah didn’t believe the people of Nineveh deserved God’s mercy, and he didn’t want to be part of their redemption. So, he ran in the opposite direction. His refusal didn’t just delay God’s plans—it caused unnecessary storms and chaos. Jonah ultimately had to face the reality that God’s plans were far greater than his personal preferences.
The same is true for us. Sometimes this looks like doing something your spiritual leaders are asking you to do that you don’t agree with. How do you respond to the ask? Resistance may seem harmless at first, but it comes with consequences. It can delay or derail God’s work—not just in our lives but in the lives of others He’s trying to reach through us.
The Danger in Holding Back: Guarding Against the Spirit of Religion
Holding back from what God has called us to do is more than just hesitation—it can open the door to something far more destructive: the spirit of religion. When we resist God’s call or refuse to fully obey, we risk slipping into a mindset that values appearance over substance, rules over relationship, and control over surrender. This is a dangerous place to be because it keeps us from experiencing the fullness of God’s grace, freedom, and purpose.
What Does Holding Back Look Like?
Holding back isn’t always obvious. It can manifest as procrastination, perfectionism, or even over-spiritualizing a decision. It’s the voice that says:
- “I’m not ready yet.”
- “I need to pray about it more.”
- “Someone else is better suited for this.”
While these thoughts may seem harmless, they can mask a deeper issue: fear, pride, or an unwillingness to surrender. When we hold back, we often do so to maintain a sense of control. But in reality, holding back is a form of disobedience. And where disobedience lingers, the spirit of religion can creep in.
The Spirit of Religion: A Subtle Trap
The spirit of religion thrives in places where we resist God’s leading. It convinces us that outward actions matter more than inward transformation. It whispers that as long as we look like we’re doing the right thing, we don’t need to fully engage with God’s call. This mindset is dangerous because it replaces genuine faith and surrender with empty rituals and appearances.
Jesus addressed this directly in Matthew 23:27 when He said, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” The Pharisees held back from true obedience because they were more concerned with their image than their hearts. They clung to rules and traditions, but their resistance to God’s will blinded them to the life-changing power of Jesus.
How Holding Back Leads to Religion
When we hold back from God, we create a gap between who we are and who He’s calling us to be. Instead of facing that gap with humility and surrender, the spirit of religion tempts us to fill it with outward performance. We go through the motions, doing just enough to appear obedient while keeping parts of our hearts closed off to God.
This can look like:
- Doing church activities without seeking God’s presence.
- Following rules but lacking genuine love and compassion.
- Measuring success by human standards instead of God’s calling.
- Focusing on appearances rather than transformation.
The spirit of religion keeps us stuck, bound by fear, pride, and control. It robs us of the joy and freedom that come from wholehearted obedience to God.
The Danger of Resistance
Resistance to God’s call doesn’t just hinder our personal growth—it affects our relationship with Him. When we hold back, we quench the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We miss opportunities to partner with God in building His kingdom. And we risk leading others astray by modeling a faith that is more about appearances than authenticity.
Hebrews 3:7-8 warns us, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” A hardened heart starts with small acts of resistance—delayed obedience, half-hearted commitment, or choosing comfort over calling. Over time, these small acts can lead to spiritual stagnation and even rebellion.
It’s all about your mindset.
Your mindset—the way you perceive challenges, learning, and effort—has a significant impact on your personal and spiritual growth. A fixed mindset believes abilities, intelligence, or talents are static and unchangeable. A growth mindset, on the other hand, believes that with effort, learning, and perseverance, abilities and understanding can grow.
You will be surprised at how our minds can play tricks on us and this becomes the devil’s playground if we allow it. God called us to take dominion and to take every thought captive. As you read through this – be honest with yourself.
Remember, Satan is a believer – he’s just not a Christian.
Ask yourself which mindset you’re operating from:
1. How Do You Respond to Challenges?
- Fixed Mindset:
You avoid challenges because they feel threatening. Failure seems like a reflection of your worth or intelligence, so you stick to what you’re comfortable with.
Thoughts like:- “What if I fail and people think I’m not good enough?”
- “I’ll never get better at this, so why bother trying?”
- Growth Mindset:
You embrace challenges as opportunities to learn. You see failure as part of the growth process, not a reflection of your identity.
Thoughts like:- “I didn’t get it right this time, but I can learn from this.”
- “This is hard, but it’s an opportunity to stretch myself.”
2. How Do You View Effort?
- Fixed Mindset:
Effort feels like a waste of time if you’re not immediately good at something. You might think, “If I were talented, this would come easily.” - Growth Mindset:
Effort is the path to mastery. You see hard work as the means to improve, grow, and achieve goals. You understand that growth takes time.
3. How Do You Handle Feedback?
- Fixed Mindset:
You feel defensive when you receive constructive criticism, seeing it as a personal attack or proof that you’re not capable. - Growth Mindset:
You see feedback as an opportunity to improve. Even if it’s hard to hear, you’re willing to consider it because it can help you grow.
4. How Do You View Other People’s Success?
- Fixed Mindset:
You feel threatened or envious of others’ success, as if their achievements diminish your value or potential.
Thoughts like:- “They’re just lucky.”
- “I could never do that.”
- Growth Mindset:
You are inspired by others’ success and see it as evidence of what’s possible with effort and perseverance.
Thoughts like:- “I can learn from their example.”
- “If they did it, maybe I can too.”
5. How Do You Respond to Failure?
- Fixed Mindset:
Failure feels final, and you might give up quickly after encountering setbacks. You see failure as proof of inadequacy rather than a chance to improve. - Growth Mindset:
Failure is seen as a stepping stone to success. You ask, “What can I learn from this?” instead of dwelling on the mistake.
6. How Do You Approach Learning New Things?
- Fixed Mindset:
You believe your ability to learn is limited. You might avoid trying new things, assuming you won’t be good at them or that they’re not “your thing.” - Growth Mindset:
You believe learning is a lifelong process. You’re willing to try new things, even if you struggle at first, because you know growth takes practice and persistence.
How to Shift From a Fixed Mindset to a Growth Mindset
If you recognize a fixed mindset in certain areas of your life, please believe me you are not alone! Awareness is the first step to change and now you have work to do. Embrace the work and watch God move miraculously through your life.
We must let go of whatever is holding us back and step into full obedience. This requires:
- Humility – Recognizing that we don’t know better than God and that His plans are always for our good.
- Surrender – Trusting God enough to say yes, even when we don’t fully understand or feel ready.
- Authenticity – Being honest with God about our fears, doubts, and resistance, and asking Him to align our hearts with His.
- Dependence on the Holy Spirit – Allowing the Spirit to guide, convict, and empower us to walk in obedience.
Transforming your mind:
- Reframe Challenges:
Instead of avoiding challenges, view them as opportunities to grow. Remind yourself that discomfort is part of the process. - Embrace Failure:
Replace the fear of failure with curiosity. Ask, “What did I learn from this experience?” - Focus on Effort, Not Outcomes:
Celebrate the effort you put into something, regardless of the immediate results. This keeps you motivated to keep growing. - Seek Feedback:
Practice accepting feedback with an open mind. Instead of taking it personally, see it as valuable information to help you improve. - Learn From Others:
Use others’ success as inspiration. Ask, “What can I learn from their journey?” - Replace Limiting Thoughts:
When you catch yourself thinking, “I can’t do this,” add the word “yet.” For example, “I can’t do this yet, but I’m working on it.”
Biblical Encouragement for a Growth Mindset
God calls us to grow in every area of our lives, especially spiritually. A growth mindset aligns with His will for our development:
- Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
God is always working in us, refining and transforming us. - Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Growth requires the renewal of our minds—letting go of old patterns and embracing new ways of thinking. - Proverbs 9:9: “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”
A growth mindset seeks wisdom and embraces learning as a lifelong journey.
True Obedience Leads to Freedom
The spirit of religion binds us, but true obedience sets us free. When we stop holding back and fully embrace God’s call, we experience the freedom of living in His purpose. Obedience isn’t about perfection—it’s about faithfulness. It’s about saying yes to God, even when it’s hard, and trusting Him to work in and through us.
James 1:22 reminds us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” True obedience isn’t passive—it’s active. It’s stepping out in faith, even when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, or uncertain.
It’s Not About You—It’s About the Kingdom
Sometimes we resist because we don’t see the bigger picture. We think, This task doesn’t matter. Someone else can do it. Why should I? But here’s the thing: God’s plans aren’t just about us. His call on your life often includes assignments that impact others. What you don’t want to do might be the very thing someone else needs to experience God’s love, grace, or provision.
Obedience is about trusting that God’s plans are bigger and better than we can see in the moment. It’s about living a life that says, “God, I trust You enough to follow You—even when my heart isn’t in it.”
Why Saying Yes Matters
If you’re still struggling with the “I just don’t want to” mindset, consider this: you’re still alive for a reason. If God was done with you, He would call you home. The fact that you’re still here means there’s kingdom work that only you can do.
Every time you say yes to God, you’re not just stepping into obedience—you’re stepping into purpose. Your yes, no matter how reluctant, is part of building His kingdom. God doesn’t call us to be perfect; He calls us to be faithful. Even a hesitant yes is obedience—and obedience pleases Him.
Faithfulness Over Comfort
The world tells us to chase ease and convenience. But God calls us to something greater: faithfulness. Faithfulness means showing up every day, even when it’s hard. It means trusting Him when the path is unclear. It means saying yes to the mission, even when it stretches us.
When we feel tired and overwhelmed, it’s okay to pause—but it’s not okay to quit. Rest in God’s presence, draw strength from His Word, and remember that He has equipped you for every good work He’s called you to do. “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
How to Move Forward
- Be Honest With God
God already knows your heart, so there’s no point in pretending. Tell Him how you feel. Say, “God, I don’t want to do this. I don’t see the point, and I’m struggling to understand why You’re asking me.” He can handle your honesty, and He’ll meet you in your vulnerability. Trust me when I tell you that this has been my motto. I did not grow up in church and I have always been very honest with God. I mean if we are being realistic – there is no feeling or thought that we have that God doesn’t know about. He created us so why not let Him mold us and transform our lives? What do we really have to lose? - Ask for a Heart Change
You might not want to do the task, but you can ask God to align your heart with His. Pray for the willingness to obey, even when it doesn’t align with what you want. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) I can’t even begin to tell you how many times that I have been asked to do things that I am not ready for, don’t understand, don’t agree with. But can I share a very hard pill to swallow? No one asked me my opinion, and God doesn’t need my approval to move. I do not want to be left behind so it’s time to get my heart right. God’s plans are always better than mine. I must focus on the bigger picture and shift my perspective from “What do I want?” to “What does God want?” Remember, obedience is about faithfulness, not convenience. - Take the First Step
Sometimes, the hardest part is just starting. Commit to taking one small step of obedience. Often, once we begin, God provides the strength, clarity, and motivation we need to continue. I have decided to embrace Nike’s tag line and make it my own motto, “Be like Nike – just do it.” I’ve run out of excuses – now is the time, and I’m the woman for the job. - Remember the Reward
Obedience always leads to blessing—whether it’s spiritual growth, peace, or seeing God’s hand at work. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
The Call to Say Yes
Here’s the bottom line: you’re still alive because your mission isn’t finished. God isn’t calling you to slow down—He’s calling you to keep moving forward. Every act of obedience prepares you for eternity and positions you for blessings you can’t yet see.
Your feelings don’t disqualify you. In fact, they’re an opportunity to grow deeper in faith and trust. Every time you say yes to God, you’re taking another step closer to becoming the person He created you to be. You’re building His kingdom, reflecting His glory, and preparing for heaven.
So, what will you do when the task feels inconvenient, unimportant, or unappealing? Will you cling to your preferences, or will you choose obedience? Will you say no to God, or will you trust that His plans are better than your own?
This Is Your Moment
God is calling you higher, stretching you, and shaping you for His glory. This is your moment to rise—to let go of fear, unforgiveness, and resistance. Say yes, even when you don’t feel ready. Trust Him, even when you don’t fully understand.
You’re not here by accident. You’re alive because your story isn’t finished, and your obedience has eternal significance. Let go of the old wineskins and step into the new wine He’s pouring out. Don’t settle for staying where you are when God is calling you forward.
Say yes to Him. Let Him lead you. Let Him transform you. The reward of obedience far outweighs the cost of holding back. Your best is yet to come.
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