Are You Holding Onto Something That’s Holding You Back From Your Purpose?
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Photo by Natalie Grainger on Unsplash
Recently, I dreamed I was sitting in a comfortable living room. Seated on an adjacent couch was woman. Without any preamble, the woman said, “That was 1998—don’t you think it’s time to let it go?”
As happens in dreams, I knew exactly what she was talking about without her saying another word. While the woman looked on with a benign smile planted on her face, I spent the several minutes defending my grudge, trying my best to convince her why what happened in 1998 was actually a really big deal.⠀
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When I woke up, I was troubled. Though the woman in the dream represents a very difficult time in my life, I hadn’t given her more than a fleeting thought in years. I believed I had put the past—and the pain—behind me. But the dream seemed to open a reservoir of hidden hurt, as well as reveal that I was still subconsciously clinging to old grievances. ⠀
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As I reflected on the dream and the events of my past, I knew God was asking me the same question the woman in the dream asked: “Isn’t it time to let it go?”
Running With Purpose
In several places, the Bible refers to our life here on earth as a race. One of those places is Hebrews 12:1 (NLT): “Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” ⠀
Our race is our purpose—it includes the specific things God created us to do and the specific people He’s called us to impact. Through my dream, God revealed a weight that was slowing me down in my race. One of my deepest desires is to move forward in my purpose, and I knew in order to do that I needed to let go of the past. I knew I needed to strip off anything that would hold me back.
With this in mind, I chose to forgive the people from my past. As shards of pain resurfaced, I chose to turn them over to God and trust Him to continue His healing work in my heart.
Cast Your Cares On God
How about you? Is there anything you’ve been holding onto that you need to let go of? I encourage you to take some time to bring it before God. Be honest with how you feel. Tell Him all about the pain, hurt, anger, betrayal, or confusion. Then, forgive and release those who have hurt you it into His hands.
You have a purpose, and what you have to offer is vital to those around you. Don’t let anything hinder you from running your race well!
I know letting go of hurt can be hard, but when we cast our cares on God, He’s faithful to bring peace and healing. Keep offering your heart to Him, and keep running with purpose. I’m in the race with you, and I’m cheering you on!
As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts, prayer requests, or questions!
In love, purpose, and faith,
P.S.
Do you…⠀
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✔️ Long for purpose and direction?
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✔️ Feel like you’re meandering through life?⠀
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✔️ Wonder if having a purpose is just something for a special few, or does it include you too?⠀
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✔️ Feel a lack of joy or a sense of discontent with your day-to-day life?
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I want to hear from you!
Have you ever had a similar experience? Is there anything you’ve been holding onto that you need to let go of? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!
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P.S.
I wrote this post because I’m on a mission to encourage and equip women to live the life of faith, passion, and purpose that we were made for. You can help make a difference by sharing this post with a friend (or friends!) who you think would be encouraged or inspired by it. Thanks!
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission, with no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
